Press Release

Wael Younan, CISM, CDPSE, has joined CalOptima as Chief Information Officer, effective December 6.

With more than two decades of information security experience and management, Younan comes to CalOptima from Los Angeles County Health Services, where he served as the agency’s Information Security Officer since October 2017. During that time, he led a diverse team to proactively identify and implement information security measures, ensured the agency complied with all protected health information regulations, and oversaw information security for the county’s Ambulatory Care Network, Managed Care Services and Correctional Health System.

“For the past 21 years, I have supported both private and public health care organizations,” Younan said. “I am excited to join CalOptima at such a crucial point in the evolution of health care. I look forward to embarking on this journey with my team to better serve our members throughout Orange County.”

“The CalOptima Board of Directors welcomes Wael as our new CIO,” said Supervisor Andrew Do, Chair of the CalOptima Board of Directors and Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. “His vast expertise in information security, record of taking on leadership roles and strong background in health care systems will help CalOptima continue to implement strategies that ensure the best health outcomes for our members while protecting their most sensitive information.”

Younan’s previous positions include Senior Information Security Officer at Anthem Blue Cross and Information Security Officer at CareMore Health Systems. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications Management from DeVry University.

A county organized health system, CalOptima provides publicly funded health care coverage for low-income children, adults, seniors and people with disabilities in Orange County, California. CalOptima’s mission is to provide members with access to quality health care services delivered in a cost-effective and compassionate manner. In total, CalOptima serves more than 862,000 members with a network of nearly 9,400 primary care doctors and specialists as well as 41 acute and rehab hospitals.