Sue Andersen guiding French Hospital into new era as President and CEO
Familiar face at FHMC: Longtime leader of Dignity Health hospitals in Santa Maria and Arroyo Grande appointed President and CEO at French Hospital in San Luis Obispo
A familiar face has returned to the halls of French Hospital Medical Center.
Sue Andersen, French Hospital’s former Chief Financial Officer (CFO), has been appointed President and CEO of the San Luis Obispo hospital that holds a sterling reputation.
“Leading this incredible hospital feels like such a natural fit – with my long history here and within the SLO community,” says Andersen, who will continue to serve as President and CEO of Arroyo Grande Community Hospital and Marian Regional Medical Center, roles she has filled since 2018.
"I am thrilled and eager to be back at French and look forward to leading all three of our Central Coast hospitals,” Andersen added. “Having a single leader at the Central Coast’s most distinguished hospitals will only help our facilities continue to meet our community’s health care needs and coordinate care to best serve our patients.
“I’m confident that together our hospitals can continue to grow to meet the needs of all Central Coast residents.”
Andersen served as CFO at French Hospital for nine years before moving over to Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria. Andersen also held the position of Divisional CFO at Dignity Health, where she oversaw French Hospital as part of her duties.
Andersen played a pivotal role in integrating French Hospital and Arroyo Grande Community Hospital into the Dignity Health system and was a driving force behind the initiative to bring a new hospital building to Marian – a project that was completed in 2012.
“I’m extremely pleased to share that Sue Andersen will lead French Hospital,” shares Julie J. Sprengel, California Region President, CommonSpirit Health. “Sue is a highly accomplished and strong leader with a proven track record of success in health care leadership on the Central Coast. As the current President and CEO of Marian Regional Medical Center and Arroyo Grande Community Hospital, I am confident in Sue’s commitment for serving the needs of this community and ensuring that French Hospital continues to be a vital resource in SLO County.”
Moving forward, Andersen will lead the development of French Hospital’s planned expansion efforts.
“I envision a great future for French Hospital, with our planned expansion that will include private rooms, a parking structure and many other hospital improvements,” Andersen said. “With the dedicated and talented team at French Hospital, I am confident we will continue to be a beacon of hope and healing for our community and I am so proud to be a part of it.”
Andersen currently serves as a Board Chair of REACH, a regional economic growth entity; Vice Chair of CenCal Health, and a board member of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Hospital Association of Southern California (HASC), the Boys and Girls Club, the A.T. Still University Deans Council, the Santa Maria Police Advisory Council, and several Dignity Hospital boards.