Honoree: Annette M. Walker

President
City of Hope Orange County

Annette M. Walker is a highly influential healthcare leader who is deeply committed to transforming U.S. healthcare, working tirelessly toward a sweeping national vision that never loses sight of patients and their families. Walker has gained a national reputation for her industry-changing insights, outstanding leadership, and keen abilities to bring people together and achieve extraordinary results. A champion of sponsorship and mentorship she has guided thousands, especially women leaders. She believes this is her way of “paying it forward” for a successful and fulfilling career. She is an authentic leader who encourages those she leads to bring their whole true selves to work - and encourages others to take risks. Her storied career is highlighted by the recent opening of a major national cancer research and treatment center, which is groundbreaking for the region’s only specialty cancer hospital and decades of influential leadership and sponsorship. Walker opened City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center - a national model for how people with cancer receive care - on time and on budget, despite the challenges of designing and building during a pandemic. The cancer center, located in one of the country’s biggest technology innovation communities, is a pivotal piece of the strategy and vision she developed when recruited to become president of City of Hope Orange County. Walker’s vision and business case were ambitious and comprehensive: a leading-edge comprehensive cancer research and treatment center, a specialty cancer hospital, and a large network of regional clinics. The cancer hospital - the only hospital in Orange County exclusively dedicated to treating and curing cancer - is now under construction and will open in 2025. As president of City of Hope Orange County, Walker is increasing City of Hope’s patient facilities and research capacity by a staggering 140 percent and leading its $1 billion investment in Orange County. Walker understands the urgency of her work. Before City of Hope came to Orange County, up to 20 percent of people with cancer left the county for advanced cancer care, many commuting long hours in traffic to receive the treatments.