MARIPOSA, CA – January 27, 2026 – Recently, Zulema Valdez joined the John C. Fremont Hospital Foundation board.
Valdez is a professor of sociology at UC Merced, where her community-engaged research examines social inequality in the United States, focusing on entrepreneurship, academic achievement, and health disparities. She previously served as Associate Vice Chancellor (2023-25) and Associate Vice Provost (2018-23), overseeing faculty development and campus climate initiatives.
“I am excited to join the Foundation board, as it aligns with my commitment to advancing community access to healthcare for greater equity,” Valdez stated.
Valdez brings both scholarly expertise and administrative experience to this work. Her dedication to public service extends to volunteer roles with organizations including the Santa Cruz Animal Shelter, the Insight Garden Program at Central California Women’s Facility, and service on the Mariposa County Civil Grand Jury (2019-20).
“We are so grateful to Zulema for choosing to join the JCF Hospital Foundation board,” said board president Heather Bernikoff. “We are very fortunate to have her expertise and compassion and are thrilled to strengthen our ties to UC Merced. Thank you Zulema!”
Valdez joins JCF Hospital Foundation board members Heather Bernikoff, President; Mike Wichmann, Vice President; Jill Harry, Secretary; Beth Tomsick, Fundraising Committee Chair; and Mari Bullis, Vending Program Coordinator. Miranda Wass is the Hospital Foundation’s Executive Administrator.
The Foundation recently said goodbye, with tremendous gratitude and thanks, to two board members.
Saralynn Nusbaum served as Treasurer and Finance Committee chair the past few years. She helped advise on policy and procedures, financial planning and investment, and critically, kept the Foundation’s books up-to-date. Her contributions were enormous.
Anna Meijas was a key contributor, producing professional looking, beautiful, graphic design in support of the Foundation’s communications and events. She was the 2025 Black and White Ball Events Committee Chair, pulling together a beautiful, fun, successful event.
The Foundation will miss them both, but know they will continue to be connected to as supporters.
Given these changes, the Hospital Foundation is seeking additional members to strengthen its team. If you have experience in finance, legal, graphic design, major gifts, events, or fundraising, and are passionate about the need for healthcare in Mariposa County, don’t hesitate to contact the Foundation at admin@jcfhospitalfoundation.org, (209) 966-1166, or speak with any team member. You will find more info at the Foundation’s website: jcfhospitalfoundation.org.
The JCF Hospital Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the rural communities of the John C. Fremont Healthcare District to maximize health through partnership and philanthropy. The Foundation’s philanthropic partnerships with the Healthcare District and the communities it serves span over 40 years.
To stay up to date with the Foundation’s latest news, follow @jcfhospitalfoundation on Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up for the Foundation’s quarterly newsletter: https://forms.gle/hzSQn5RnHzneDJC66
If you would like to financially support the Healthcare District through the Foundation, you can do so by sending a check to JCFHF, PO Box 1093, Mariposa, CA 95338, or through the online fundraising site at secure.qgiv.com/for/jcfhospitalfoundation. Donations are tax-deductible.
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