Los Angeles, Calif. (October 10, 2024) – Pacific Clinics, California’s leading provider of community-based mental health and substance use services, today announced the promotion of three key executives who will further strengthen its mission to offer the highest quality behavioral health care and social services for children, adults and families.
Laura Pancake has been promoted to chief clinical officer, covering all of Pacific Clinics’ clinics services throughout California. She previously served as senior vice president for Southern California. Mary Anne Chern has been named chief development officer. Shawn Aminian has been promoted to chief information officer from senior vice president.
“Laura, Mary Anne and Shawn all exemplify the dedication to service that lies at the heart of Pacific Clinics,” said Kathy McCarthy, CEO / President of Pacific Clinics. “Their commitment to helping not only their communities but also their colleagues is unparalleled, and each brings singular expertise and experience to their roles. Pacific Clinics and those we serve are fortunate to have their leadership and collaborative spirit.”
In her new role, Pancake will oversee all clinical programs and services, including substance use treatment and housing. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker, she has more than 30 years of experience in community mental health and has co-authored several research articles focused on adults with severe and persistent mental illness. She has served as a leader in the provision of employment services and the development of peer health navigation. Pancake earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from West Virginia University and a master’s degree in social work from Cal State Long Beach.
Chern joins Pacific Clinics from Adventist Health White Memorial, where she served for 24 years as senior vice president and foundation president. With more than three decades of experience, she will oversee Pacific Clinics’ fundraising strategies, drawing on her extensive understanding of nonprofit health care resource development. Holding Advanced Certified Fundraising Executive (ACFRE) and Fellow of the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy credentials (FAHP), she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of North Carolina and did further postgraduate work in English at UC Santa Barbara.
Aminian has more than 20 years of executive management expertise, including as chief information officer at both Children’s Institute International and KCET-TV. With a focus on innovation, he has consistently helped organizations grow and improve their technology while leading teams of diverse, motivated professionals. Aminian earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of Kansas.
Pacific Clinics has offered behavioral and mental health care services, housing, foster care and social services, early childhood, and continuing adult education for more than 150 years. It serves more than 34,000 individuals and families each year, from young children to older adults, in regions throughout California including Los Angeles, Orange County, the Inland Empire, Ventura, the Bay Area, Sacramento and the Central Valley.
“The impact of our services is as great and lasting as it is because of our dedicated team, who each day offer caring, life-affirming assistance to those in need,” said Shawn M. Caracoza, chief operations officer. “Their integrity and selflessness ensure all who need our help receive the support and care they deserve. With Laura, Mary Anne and Shawn as key members of our executive team, Pacific Clinics will be able to continue assisting thousands each year, helping them achieve their goals, improve their well-being and thrive.”
About Pacific Clinics
Pacific Clinics is California’s leading community-based nonprofit mental health and substance use services and support provider. With more than 150 years of experience in communities, its 2,100-member team is dedicated to offering hope and unlocking the full potential of more than 26,000 individuals and families through culturally responsive, trauma-informed, research-based services for individuals and families from birth to older adults.
