Erika and Ken Riley Sustaining excellence

Erika and Ken Riley

Sustaining excellence.

San Marino residents Erika and Ken Riley first considered a gift to Huntington Hospital after Ken underwent knee replacement surgery here. “We had such a wonderful experience, and the care he received was incredible,” Erika says. After two additional orthopedic surgeries —performed, like the first, by Todd Dietrick, MD — the Rileys became even more impressed by the quality of care and customer service. Since making their first contribution in 2012, they have increased the level of their support and are now members of our President’s Circle.

“We appreciate the importance of having an independent hospital that serves as such a great resource to our region and we were interested in making a greater impact,” Ken says. “When I think of the hospital, I think of the word competence, and I mean that as a high compliment,” he adds. “They’re competent in so many different areas.

“Another thing that sets it apart,” he continues, “is the hospital’s strong relationship with local physicians, which supports a strong continuum of care. The close relationship the hospital has with my general practitioner and orthopedic specialist made all the difference. I think that kind of integrated care is vitally important.”

As an added benefit of their President’s Circle membership, the Rileys note, they enjoy attending this group’s events. These special gatherings provide opportunities to meet hospital leaders, as well as to learn about health-related topics and the latest advances in care here.

A global perspective.

Born in Germany, Erika attended college in Berlin and in Paris. In addition to her native German, she became fluent in English and French, and also learned a little Spanish. Drawing on her language abilities, she went on to become a flight attendant for Pan American World Airways (Pan Am), which gave her the opportunity to travel the globe for the better part of a decade. When not on duty, she called The Rileys are grateful to orthopedic surgeon Todd Dietrick, MD (above), and are impressed by New York, NY, home. Ken grew up in Missouri and attended the overall quality of care here. Missouri University of Science and Technology, where he earned a degree in chemical engineering. He then began a long and successful career in the oil business. Working for ARCO for 40 years, he was vice president of ARCO Products Company at the time of his retirement. Subsequently, he established a consulting business, which he maintained for a decade. Ken’s work with ARCO often took him abroad and it was while living in Brussels that he met Erika. The couple married in New York in 1965. Later, Erika left Pan Am and the couple moved to Connecticut, where they started a family. They have two daughters. “The close relationship The Rileys’ travels were not over, however. Ken’s career took the the hospital has with my family to Venezuela (where they lived from 1968 to 1970) as well as to various other places around the globe. Ken estimates that, over the course general practitioner and of his time with ARCO, he worked in 80 different countries worldwide. orthopedic specialist made all the difference. I think Supporting strength. that kind of integrated The Rileys settled in San Marino in 1972 and they are deeply commitcare is vitally important.” ted to their home community. They provide philanthropic support to many local organizations and are long-time members — and elders — at San Marino Community Church. Erika is a docent at The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens and, passionate about music, she is also a member of Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts, The Blue Ribbon at The Music Center, and Los Angeles Philharmonic. The Rileys see their support for the hospital as an important part of their community involvement — and a way to help keep their community strong. “The hospital is a community gem,” says Erika, “and it’s important that it keeps up its excellence, so patients can continue to be well cared for and treated with compassion.” “We think it’s important to do our part to keep it strong,” adds Ken.