Bernita McTernan

SVP, Sponsorship and Mission Integration

Ms. McTernan has served Catholic Healthcare West for 28 years in a variety of leadership capacities. In her current executive role, she is responsible for Sponsorship, Mission Integration, Advocacy, Ethics/Justice, Ecology, Community Benefit and Philanthropy.  She directs systemwide initiatives for mission services and community benefit programs, involving CHW's religious sponsors. She ensures that the CHW mission and values are integrated into all aspects of the organization. Ms. McTernan is the key liaison to the religious communities that co-sponsor CHW, local bishops, other Catholic health care systems and professional organizations. She directs orientation programs for corporate members, board members, physician leaders and management throughout the system. Prior to her current role, she served CHW as regional vice president for mission services with Mercy Healthcare Sacramento and director of philosophy and mission services at St. Mary's Medical Center in San Francisco.

She previously taught in the School of Professional Health Studies at the University of San Francisco in the Public Administration Program in the areas of human resources, organizational development, values and ethics. Ms. McTernan received her bachelor's degree in religious studies and biological sciences and her master's degree in counseling and psychology from the University of San Francisco. She holds California State teaching credentials and the Myers-Briggs certification. She completed studies at the Jung Institute in Switzerland, and special course work in futuristic thinking, total quality management, team building and medical ethics.

She serves or has served on the boards of CHW, St. Anthony Foundation, San Francisco, Sequoia Hospital Board, Alliance of Catholic Health Care Board, Ministry Leadership Center, International Museum of Women, Venice Hope Family Resource & Wellness Center Campaign Cabinet, Mercy High School in Burlingame, the Elder Care Alliance, and the Sisters of Mercy Women's Wisdom Project. She is a member of NETWORK, a Christian social justice network, as well as Amnesty International. Ms. McTernan was given the Woman Warrior Award for Sacramento County in 1995.