On March 25, Sandra Chen Lau joined Keck Medicine of USC as the new president of the USC Arcadia Hospital Foundation. She succeeds Mike Driebe, who is retiring after a 14-year tenure in the position.

An announcement from Ikenna “Ike” Mmeje, MHSA, president of USC Arcadia Hospital, stated, “Lau will utilize her wealth of knowledge as an entrepreneurial leader with extensive experience in fundraising and higher education to provide leadership, direction and thoughtful innovation to all aspects of the fundraising programs of the foundation.”

As president of the USC Arcadia Hospital Foundation, Lau will build trust and rapport with stakeholders, staff, leadership and physicians throughout the organization, as well as donors and those who live and work in the Arcadia community.

Lau will also administer all aspects of the fundraising programs while leading and supporting the foundation team in annual giving campaigns, major gifts administration, grant writing, special events coordination, donor communications, capital campaigns and more.

Reporting directly to the foundation’s chief executive officer and board of directors, Lau will play a key role in expanding local access to world-class care and the latest developments in medical research.

Lau brings over 25 years of experience to her new role, having held executive philanthropy positions with the Japanese American National Museum, Huntington Hospital and the University of Southern California. Most recently, Lau served as the chief advancement officer for the American Film Institute.

“Her track record illustrates a determined commitment to a collaborative, proactive and innovative leadership approach, and she is passionate about health equity, inclusion and community engagement,” said Mmeje’s announcement.

Lau has long been dedicated to supporting the Greater Los Angeles community through effective leadership. She has been a member of numerous civic institutions and has served on boards and committees for the Los Angeles County School Trustees Association and the National COVID-19 Outdoor Learning Initiative Policy Committee. She is currently a governing board member of the Pasadena Area Community College District.

— Kate Faye