First published in the April 7 print issue of the Pasadena Outlook.
Dr. Ying Ying Goh, Pasadena’s director of public health and health officer, was named Woman of the Year for the 41st Assembly District by Assemblyman Chris Holden.
“Her dedication in the face of overwhelming pressure is admirable and deserves to be acknowledged,” Holden said. “Dr. Goh has worked tirelessly to get resources to the city of Pasadena and to its residents.”
Goh is responsible for the overall planning, administration and operation of the Pasadena Public Health Department. In this dual role, Goh also provides medical supervision and direction for city health services and programs, and has the authority to declare public health emergencies and quarantines.
Prior to appointment as director of public health, Goh served in various capacities at the Pasadena Public Health Department, as the city’s health officer/deputy director and also as the department’s medical director for programs and research, securing new grant funding and managing programs related to diabetes care management and childhood obesity prevention.
Her professional experience includes clinical pediatric practice, management of a California Endowment task force to improve healthcare access and quality in Los Angeles County, design and implementation of a case management program for seniors with chronic conditions and research to improve nutrition and physical activity for youth.
Goh earned a bachelor’s degree from Stanford University.
In addition to recognizing Goh as Woman of the Year, Holden named several Women of Distinction from throughout the district. They include Juanita West-Tillman (Altadena), Cher Ofstedahl (Claremont), Chief Colleen Flores (La Verne), Maritza Flores-Travanti (Monrovia), Elizabeth McSwain, (Rancho Cucamonga), Marilyn Sparks (San Dimas), Bertha Aguirre (Sierra Madre), Cathy Billings (South Pasadena) and Kim Anthony (Upland).
More than 150 nominations were sent to Holden for the honor.
“The 2022 Women of Distinction are dedicated leaders who improve the lives (of) thousands of individuals and families in the 41st Assembly District and beyond,” Holden said. “They demonstrate the power of giving to others and community empowerment, I am honored to be amongst a high caliber of professionals.”
