Health Commission honors Dan Bernal and Dr. Claire Horton as they depart for new roles

The San Francisco Health Commission adopted resolutions honoring two departing leaders: Dan Bernal, who is leaving to become UCSF's vice chancellor of community and government relations, and Dr. Claire Horton, who will serve as associate chief medical officer for the national Medicaid program at Kaiser Foundation Health Plan.

A draft resolution for Dan Bernal recounted his appointment to the commission in 2017, service as commission president during the pandemic and his decades of public service including work on HIV/AIDS advocacy and support for the Affordable Care Act. Several commissioners, union representatives and community leaders offered tributes; Bernal thanked colleagues and reflected on the public-health crises the commission navigated.

The commission then read a resolution honoring Dr. Horton for clinical and operational leadership in the San Francisco Health Network, noting her roles as chief medical officer and deputy director, her work expanding CalAIM services and leading EPIC implementation priorities. Commissioners and Director Colfax commended her clinical acumen, mentorship and efforts on Laguna Honda recertification.

Both resolutions were moved, seconded and approved by roll call; the transcript records the votes as ayes with no nays recorded. Speakers emphasized the continuity of oversight and the department's plans to fill institutional responsibilities. Bernal and Horton received public praise and photograph opportunities on the dais.