David Fleming, board chairman of Valley Presbyterian Hospital, is known for getting things done and serving in organizations all over the San Fernando Valley. He has served on boards and committees for about 40 organizations over the years, he said. “When I’m asked to go on a board, I have a tendency to say yes, so I’ve been on so many boards and so many organizations,” said Fleming, who is also chairman of the Valley Economic Alliance. At Valley Presbyterian Hospital, where he has served on the board of directors since 1988, Fleming has made his mark using his professional expertise as a lawyer. Fleming, who is an attorney for Latham & Watkins, helped the hospital select a developer and draft an operating agreement for a new 75,000 square-foot medical office building to be built this year. Under his leadership, Fleming said the hospital has grown, despite the fact that it has been in a money crunch for many years. “We have spent nearly $20 million in improvements,” he said. “(We) built a new $40 million patient tower, and we have less indebtedness than we did 22 years ago.” Hospital leaders said Fleming also took charge in the past year when the organization’s president and CEO, Albert Greene, became ill and passed away. Fleming found an interim CEO to replace him. “The hospital has gone through major leadership transitions in the past few years, and David has been able to keep the board focused, meeting the health care needs of our community,” said Sylvia Henry, the hospitals’ foundation director. “He makes himself available to the overall hospital operations.” Fleming said being an effective board chairman requires openness and action. “Be willing to share your ideas,” Fleming said. “You’re not just there to be a pretty face or take up a seat. You’re supposed to be doing things.”
Valley Looks on Well-Known Board Member for Guidance
