Councilwoman Lori Donchak Elected to Hospital Board of Directors

Lori Donchak, a San Clemente City Councilwoman, has been elected to the South Coast Medical Center Foundation’s Board of Directors.

Ms. Donchak brings a strong background in civic responsibility and communications to the Board.  Elected to the San Clemente City Council in November 2006, she works tirelessly to find and implement self-funding and grant-funding financial strategies for both public and private ventures. In addition, she is the founder and chair of the Traffic Task Force, an organization committed to practical solutions for local traffic congestion.

Ms. Donchak began her career as a communications executive, landing one of her first positions in market research for Quaker Oats in 1977. From there, she expanded her leadership by joining J. Walter Thompson, the largest advertising agency in the United States. She retired from the company as an Executive Vice President in 1999.

"I've known Lori through both Laguna Playhouse activities and city council events," said Foundation Executive Director Elizabeth Schneider.  "Her ability to outreach in San Clemente and her experience in marketing and advertising are huge assets for our Foundation."

One accomplishment that is especially close to Ms. Donchak’s heart is her co-creation of the AVON 3-Day Walk for Breast Cancer. Over the past 15 years, AVON’s business has grown and millions of dollars for breast cancer research has been raised.

Ms. Donchak has many affiliations, including:

• San Clemente Chamber of Commerce
• San Clemente Historical Society
• Ocean Institute, Dana Point
• California State Parks and Recreation
• North Beach Steering Committee

Currently, Ms. Donchak works as a schoolteacher at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School in San Juan Capistrano.

Founded in 1959, South Coast Medical Center is a 208-bed facility located in Laguna Beach.  In 1998, the medical center joined Adventist Health, a not-for-profit, health system operating in California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington.  South Coast Medical Center serves South County, including the communities of Laguna Beach, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, Laguna Niguel and Aliso Viejo.

Posted 9/07