Welcome to Greg Rodriguez for Desert Healthcare District Board of Directors

I am running  for the Desert Healthcare District Board of Directors Zone 1 position. I have been involved in public service my entire life and feel this opportunity is the next step in offering my skills and passion to further the health and well-being of Coachella Valley residents. I have followed the work and mission of the Healthcare District for over ten years. I have personally played an integral role in many Desert Healthcare District initiatives such as the Coachella Valley Behavioral Health Collaborative, the expansion of testing and vaccinations during the COVID pandemic, and leveraging resources to address homelessness in the Coachella Valley.

I have a thorough understanding of the healthcare landscape in the Coachella Valley through my work as the healthcare policy advisor for Riverside County Supervisor Manuel Perez and as the District Director for Congressman Raul Ruiz. Additionally, I served on the Board of Desert AIDS Project, and I am currently the Chair of Riverside County’s Community Health Center Board of Directors. I understand the challenges we face in healthcare provider shortages throughout the valley, the need for more healthcare facilities, and the importance of expanding equitable access to healthcare in our underserved areas.

I am looking forward to assisting the District in the transitions and opportunities that may exist with the proposed Tenet lease changes and am confident I can provide the type of leadership to maximize the benefits to the residents of District 1 and the entire Coachella Valley. I look forward to talking to voters about my experience and vision and humbly ask for their support in November.

Greg was born in Huntington Beach, California. At 14, Greg and his Mother moved to Boise, Idaho. Greg attended public schools and became active in his community and volunteered for campaigns.  Greg attended Gonzaga University for Economics and Political Science. While working full-time, he also served every year on the Student Body Association  

After college Greg moved to Seattle and became active in issues defending individual liberties. He fought anti-hate and anti-women ballot initiatives and started his own consulting company.  In 1996 Greg left his company and became a stay-at-home parent to Zachary and Joshua. Greg became active in forging solutions for children with developmental disabilities and served on the Governor’s Developmental Disabilities Council.  

Greg revived his business and worked on numerous local, state and national campaigns. In 2013 Greg became the District Director for Congressman Raul Ruiz where he spent two years developing the office and its staff to deliver unparalleled constituent services to veterans, seniors, and the underserved.  Greg left the Congressman’s office in 2015 to campaign for the California State Assembly. Although unsuccessful in his bid Greg went on to become the Senior Policy Advisor for Riverside County Supervisor V. Manuel Perez specializing in healthcare, housing, and homelessness.  In 2022 Greg became Deputy Director for Government Affairs and Community Engagement for Riverside County's Housing and Workforce Solutions Department.  

Greg and his family permanently called the desert home in 2006. Greg immediately became active in the community focusing on education and local community activities. He served as PTA President and Treasurer, School Site Council Chair, Chair of the School District’s Bond Oversight Committee, District parental advisory committees, member and President of the Foundation for the Palm Springs Unified School District, board member of the Desert AIDS Project, and as the First Vice Chair of the Palm Springs Human Rights Commission. Greg is currently the Chair of the Riverside University Health Systems Community Health Center Board of Directors.