Loma Linda University Health Appoints Chris Johnston as General Counsel

The Loma Linda University Health (LLUH) Board of Trustees has appointed Chris Johnston as General Counsel and chief legal officer for LLUH and its affiliated entities. Johnston, who has served in LLUH's Office of General Counsel for 15 years, has assumed the role following the January retirement of longtime General Counsel Kent Hansen.

Johnston brings extensive legal experience, shaped by nearly twenty years in LLUH's legal and risk management functions, as well as broad service to institutions across the Seventh-day Adventist community. His background includes legal work in higher education, healthcare, and civil litigation, with a strong emphasis on the unique needs of faith-based organizations.

In addition to his work in the Office of General Counsel, Johnston previously served in LLUH's Department of Risk Management. Before joining LLUH, he served as Director of Claims & Legal Services and Claims Counsel for Adventist Risk Management, where he provided litigation and claims management support to Seventh-day Adventist-affiliated institutions worldwide. Prior to his tenure at Adventist Risk Management, Johnston practiced law in a civil litigation law firm in Riverside, California.

Johnston holds a Juris Doctor from Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law, where he earned academic honors and served as Lead Articles Editor for the Pepperdine Law Review. He also earned a Master of Arts in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary and a Bachelor of Arts in history and political science, summa cum laude, from La Sierra University. Throughout his career, he has contributed widely to legal, governance, and risk management initiatives at LLUH and other nonprofit organizations. He remains a sought-after lecturer on legal issues affecting healthcare, education, and church-affiliated institutions.

"Chris's extensive experience, deep understanding of our mission, and long-standing collaboration with Kent Hansen position him exceptionally well to guide LLUH's legal affairs for years to come," said Richard Hart, MD, DrPH, President of Loma Linda University Health.