Alan Iftiniuk and Debby Nicklas to retire

Alan Iftiniuk, retiring French Hospital President and CEO (right), with Debby Nicklas, retiring Vice President of Philanthropy (left).

Alan Iftiniuk: A legacy of carism

After 18 years of dedicated service as the President and CEO of French Hospital Medical Center, Alan Iftiniuk will be retiring in January 2023. Alan has been instrumental in bringing technological and clinical advancements to French Hospital, and his pursuit as a community health care advocate leaves a legacy that will benefit the hospital’s staff, physicians, volunteers, and most importantly, its patients for years to come.

Alan began his career with Dignity Health as a leader in San Francisco in 2001, before being appointed President and CEO of French Hospital in 2004. Under Alan’s leadership, the hospital experienced tremendous growth with physician recruitment, the expansion of clinical services, and successful alliances, acquisitions, and partnerships. Alan has also been influential in the philanthropic efforts of the Foundation.

Under Alan’s leadership, French Hospital has consistently received national recognition for many clinical and safety benchmarks including being named a Top 100 Hospital in the Nation by Truven Health Analytics and Top 10% in the Nation for Patient Safety by Healthgrades.

“Alan has a well-known history of creating a culture of quality that has ensured the delivery of compassionate care to the community of San Luis Obispo for decades,”

shares Julie Sprengel, President and CEO of Dignity Health’s Southern California Division. “As he prepares for retirement, he leaves the hospital strongly positioned for continued growth and success.”

We wish him all the best in retirement and express our sincere gratitude for all he has done to guide French Hospital and serve our community over the last 18 years.

Debby Nicklas: A legacy of philanthropy

Debby Nicklas, the Vice President of the French Hospital Medical Center Foundation, will be retiring on November 1, 2022, after 18 years of providing strategic and operational leadership to support hospital programs and services through successful fundraising efforts.

Debby began her career with Dignity Health in 2004, where she led the establishment of the Foundation, created to support the hospital’s charitable and community health care mission through fundraising and relationship building. During her reputable tenure, the Foundation has raised more than $58 million to support new hospital facilities and equipment, new programs and services, health education, community outreach, and charity care.

Under Debby’s leadership, the French Hospital Foundation has been the recipient of numerous distinguished awards, including Dignity Health Foundation of the Year, Dignity Health Top Performing Service Area, and Dignity Health Largest Philanthropic Gift, to name a few.

Debby’s community involvement has undoubtedly proven instrumental in her success. For the betterment of her community, Debby has served in a leadership role on a multitude of boards.

In recognition of her steadfast dedication to public service and the health and wellness of the community, Debby was awarded Citizen of the Year by the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce, and was a recipient of the Cuesta College Woman of Distinction Award.

Debby’s profound commitment to both French Hospital and the community in which it resides are admirable. We wish her all the best in her retirement.

Unending gratitude for dedicated service

Tom Lebens Chair, Board of Directors French Hospital Medical Center Foundation

On behalf of the Foundation Board, I wish to express our utmost gratitude for all that Alan Iftiniuk and Debby Nicklas have contributed to French Hospital over the past 18 years and, most importantly, for their work to support our patients and community.

Today, French Hospital is a nationally recognized, worldclass hospital—an incredible achievement for our Central Coast community. Together, these two dedicated leaders have guided French Hospital on a transformational journey that has truly elevated the quality of health care in San Luis Obispo County.

We will forever be grateful to both Alan and Debby for their dedication and commitment to our patients and working to make health care accessible for all, including the most vulnerable in our community. We wish both of them all the best in their next chapter.