04/16/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/16/2026 15:42
The Loma Linda University Health Board of Trustees has voted to appoint Anthony Hilliard, MD, FACC, to serve as President of Loma Linda University Health (LLUH), effective July 1. Dr. Hilliard will continue to serve concurrently as Chief Executive Officer of the Loma Linda University Health hospitals, a role he has held since October 2024.
Dr. Hilliard will serve as President-Elect through June 30, partnering closely with current President Richard Hart, MD, DrPH, who will remain in office through the transition.
"Dr. Hilliard is a deeply mission-driven leader with exceptional experience across clinical care, academic medicine, and healthcare operations," said Thomas Lemon, Chair of the LLUH Board of Trustees. "At a time when Loma Linda University Health continues to expand its global footprint in healthcare delivery and education, the Board has full confidence in Dr. Hilliard's ability to lead with clarity, collaboration, and faith."
The LLUH Board also expressed deep appreciation for Dr. Hart's transformational leadership, which guided LLUH through a period of historic growth, strengthened mission integration, and significant advancement across its clinical and academic enterprises.
A Southern California native, Dr. Hilliard earned his medical degree from the Loma Linda University School of Medicine and completed his residency and cardiology fellowships at the Mayo Clinic, where he received multiple national honors. Since returning to Loma Linda University Health in 2009, he has served in progressively senior leadership roles, including Division Head of Cardiology; Chief Operating Officer of the Loma Linda University Faculty Medical Group and LLU Health Care; Senior Vice President for Clinical Faculty Operations of LLUH; Associate Dean of Clinical Operations for the School of Medicine; and, since 2024, Chief Executive Officer of the hospitals.
In 2025, Dr. Hilliard was promoted to Professor of Medicine in recognition of his sustained contributions to academic medicine, leadership, and mentorship. Nationally, he has also held leadership roles with the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association.
"Dr. Hilliard understands both the complexity of our integrated organization and the sacred responsibility of our global calling," Lemon added. "His leadership reflects Loma Linda University Health's commitment to whole-person care - locally and around the world."