French Hospital Medical Center Welcomes New Chief Philanthropy Officer as Expansion Plans Ramp Up

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA, December 18, 2023 – Dignity Health French Hospital Medical Center (FHMC) is pleased to welcome Tessa Espinoza as the new Chief Philanthropy Officer (CPO), effective January 8, 2024. Leading FHMC’s Foundation, Tessa will be responsible for advancing the Hospital Foundation’s vision and mission to support and advance the hospital’s clinical programs and provide vital community services. In her role, she will oversee all fundraising campaigns and work with community partners to expand the number of donors contributing to the Foundation and French Hospital expansion project.

“I’m honored to be joining the French Hospital Foundation team and excited for the opportunity to serve our community in this important leadership role,” Espinoza said. “I look forward to leading the hospital’s philanthropic strategy in partnership with hospital management, the dedicated staff and Foundation board of directors in support of our best-in-class healthcare in San Luis Obispo. We will build a promising future together.”

Tessa comes to French Hospital with more than 19 years of experience in management and nearly 16 years as a successful leader at Cal Poly, working in various capacities including external affairs and fundraising. Most recently, she served as the Senior Director of External Relations and Director of Development for Student Affairs at Cal Poly where she was responsible for leading capital campaign strategy, corporate and individual donor prospecting, and large-scale engagement events. Her most recent efforts resulted in closing millions of dollars in gifts supporting the Cal Poly Food Pantry, emergency grants for students in crisis, and substance abuse prevention programs.

“Tessa is a proven leader with a deep commitment to our community,” shared Patrick Caster, President and CEO of French Hospital Medical Center. “We are thrilled to have her leading our Foundation during a very critical time as we amplify our fundraising efforts to expand the hospital and bring new life saving medical technology to the area.”

In addition to her full-time role leading the FHMC Foundation, Tessa will continue to volunteer with Cal Poly, the local school district, and various non-profit organizations. Tessa and her husband, Roberto, reside in San Luis Obispo with their two children.

To learn more about giving opportunities at the French Hospital Medical Center Foundation and ways to get involved, visit supportfrenchhospital.org.

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About French Hospital Medical Center

French Hospital Medical Center is a state-of-the-art, 98-bed acute care hospital located in San Luis Obispo, California. French’s Oppenheimer Family Center for Emergency Medicine is the area’s most advanced emergency services center. The modern facility is home to the Copeland, Forbes, and Rossi Cardiac Care Center, is the county’s premier cardiac center, providing the latest cardiac and imaging technology, and the Hearst Cancer Resource Center offering free education, resources and support to cancer patients and their families. French Hospitals’ Stollmeyer Family Birthing Center is known for its excellence in family based care.