Peninsula Health Care District Board Appoints Dennis Zell as Director

Dennis Zell, a 45-year resident of the Peninsula, was appointed to the Peninsula Health Care District (PHCD) Board of Directors at its Regular Board Meeting held December 12, 2013. Zell replaces Joseph Goethals, who tendered his resignation effective December 2, 2013, after being elected to the San Mateo City Council. Zell’s appointment to the PHCD Board fills the unexpired portion of Goethals’ term, which ends December 2014. The Board voted unanimously to appoint Zell.

“On behalf of the Peninsula Health Care District Board of Directors, I would like to welcome Mr. Zell. We look forward to having his insight and experience on the Board,” said Dan Ullyot, M.D., chairman of the five-member governing body. “His distinguished law career, community involvement, and commitment to the Peninsula make him a welcome addition to our board.”

Zell is a senior litigation associate for Fox, Shjeflo, Hartley, & Babu, LLP in San Mateo. He is a member of the American Business Trial Lawyers’ Association, Northern California, and the San Mateo County Bar Association. Zell is past president of Burlingame Rotary Club and Judge Pro Tempore, San Mateo County. He has a J.D. from Golden Gate University and a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science from University of California, Los Angeles.

 “I hope to improve the way health care is delivered to the constituents of the Peninsula Health Care District,” said Zell in his application for director. “My vision for the District is that it should facilitate innovation, improve access to health care, and develop policies and programs to fill gaps or otherwise improve the way health care is currently delivered, with an emphasis on reducing the cost to constituents.”

Zell’s appointment at the December 12 meeting officially marks the beginning of his service; a formal swearing in ceremony will take place January 23, 2014 at the Peninsula Health Care District’s Community Partners event, which will be held at the District’s office, located at 1600 Trousdale Drive in Burlingame. Zell will serve as an appointed member of the Peninsula Health Care District Board until December 2014 and may seek a full term of office in the November 2014 election.