Marissa Nichols Mpa

Marissa Nichols, MPA, has extensive work experience in various healthcare and administrative roles. Marissa is currently the Director of Quality & Risk at Bakersfield Heart Hospital, where they oversee all hospital quality management activities and performance improvement projects. Prior to this, Marissa served as the Program Director at Innovative Integrated Health from October 2021 to December 2022. From October 2019 to October 2021, they were the Director of Operations at Clinica Sierra Vista, responsible for providing operational leadership and ensuring customer service, quality of care, and financial oversight for all practices in the Kern region. Marissa also worked as the District Health Services Administrator at Omni Family Health from May 2015 to May 2019, where they provided general direction, guidance, and supervision to staff and represented the organization with governing agencies and community events.

Before joining the healthcare industry, Marissa gained valuable experience in management and training as a Case Manager/Acting Unit Manager at Management & Training Corporation from July 2007 to May 2015. Marissa supervised staff, managed a caseload, provided planning services to clients, and analyzed data. Prior to that, they worked as a Correctional Counselor at The GEO Group, Inc. from April 2001 to July 2007 and as a Correctional Officer at Wackenhut Corrections from August 1998 to April 2001, where they supervised federal inmates, maintained security, and operated the control room. Marissa began their career as an Account Clerk at Wackenhut from December 1997 to August 1998, where they handled administrative tasks. Marissa's diverse work experience has equipped their with a strong skill set in healthcare management, operations, and leadership.

Marissa Nichols, MPA, obtained their Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Public Administration from CSUB, where they studied from 2005 to 2008. Later on, they pursued their Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree in Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management, attending California State University, Bakersfield from 2012 to 2014.