
CEO
PROVIDENCE ST. JUDE MEDICAL CENTER
WHY: Took over as chief executive in 2021 after holding multiple roles at Providence St. Jude in Fullerton for 14 years prior, including manager of critical care and stepdown units, director of cardiology, neurology and emergency services, chief nursing officer and chief operating officer. Ramos started her 36-year healthcare career as a bedside nurse at Anaheim Memorial Medical Center. Now oversees 2,700 employees, as of February.
IN THE NEWS: Foundation received undisclosed gift from MSI co-founders Manu and Rika Shah in 2025 to establish the Shah Happiness Center for Cardiovascular Health after Shah’s 25 years of treatment at the Fullerton center; it was also said to be the largest cash gift in the hospital’s history. Earned key accreditations and recognitions this year for quality and patient safety and named a Modern Healthcare Best Place to Work for the seventh consecutive year.
NOTABLE: Ramos is credited for helping the medical center earn Magnet designation for nursing excellence among other recognitions. Fullerton center is the sixth largest hospital in Orange County, ranked by net patient revenue of $902.8 million.
MENTOR: “My grandmother, who was also a nurse, was one of my earliest and most influential mentors. Her dedication, humility and deep sense of purpose continue to influence how I lead and how I think about serving our patients, caregivers and community.”
IN HER WORDS: “True leadership is not position or title but bringing value and support to those you serve.”
The post OC50 2026: LAURA RAMOS appeared first on Orange County Business Journal.
