Eileena Zepeda
Eileena Zepeda is an accomplished healthcare contracting and provider relations professional with more than three decades of experience supporting health plans, independent practice associations, and medical groups across Southern California. She currently serves as a Business Consultant and Contract Manager with Kaiser Permanente’s Southern California Permanente Medical Group Physician Careers, where she oversees multi-site contract execution and contributes to regional operational initiatives. Known for her expertise in negotiations, credentialing, and claims resolution, Eileena leverages data-driven tools and collaborative leadership to strengthen provider networks and support patient-centered care delivery.
Eileena began her career in healthcare administration as a young mother seeking a sustainable and growth-oriented profession. After completing front-office administration training, she gained early experience in private practice and IPA environments, where she developed a strong understanding of health plan operations and network development. Recognizing the importance of continued education, she returned to school to earn a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, positioning herself for leadership roles in managed care contracting. Over the years, she played a key role in expanding provider networks, supporting startup health plan initiatives, and managing complex agreements that enhanced organizational growth and service access.
Throughout her career, Eileena has built a reputation for transparency, mentorship, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Her work with organizations such as Imperial Health and Alinea Medical Imaging allowed her to lead large-scale contracting efforts, improve operational processes, and contribute to membership growth through strategic partnerships. Achieving her long-term goal of joining Kaiser Permanente marked a significant milestone, and she remains focused on further advancing her leadership impact while continuing to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional development within the healthcare industry.
• Front Office Administration Certification
• West Coast University- B.A.Sc.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the strong, independent woman who raised me - my aunt who took me in when my mother wasn't stable enough to care for me. She was a single woman who worked for Rockwell Space Shuttle, building the space shuttle, and she didn't just help me - she had her door open to any woman who needed help. She taught me to be strong and work hard. I didn't want to just depend on money that's out there - I wanted to be able to make my own money and build from it. I also learned important lessons from managers I've worked with who were transparent and open with their staff. I think that's been a good management tool, and it's something I took on to my own management roles - being open with your staff so they know as much as you do. That way, you have flexibility and can rely on your staff to hold down the fort when you're gone. One manager I had at HealthNet was particularly influential - he was the kind of manager I wanted to be.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell them to always ask questions. Don't sit in your cubicle thinking something's going to come to you - you need to definitely go out and get it. You need to learn about it. You need to ask questions. I always have that open-door policy to anyone that was on my team, or who wasn't on my team, just in the company. If you're interested in what I'm doing right here behind this door, come in and ask. I'll be happy to share anything that I know with you and where it's gotten me. I definitely try to encourage women and young girls in this field to ask questions, to come to my office and see what I'm doing back here. A lot of people probably think it's pretty boring - you know, I read contracts all day - but I don't think it's boring, and I find it interesting. I do like to do new things as well and be spontaneous about projects that are given to me. I'm learning every day as well, and I'll ask questions of my immediate supervisors. So I'm the same, you know, where I'm trying to learn as I go as well.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important value to me is helping other women, which I learned from my aunt who raised me. She was a woman who helped other women - whoever needed help, she always had her door open to them. If you were a single woman who needed a place to stay, she always had her doors open to people who needed help, and that's who I looked up to. I want to be available to other women who are looking for guidance and mentorship. I also value being a strong, independent woman who works hard and makes my own money rather than depending on others. Right now, I'm focused on managing my teenage children - I still have a high school teenager and a daughter who just recently graduated from high school, so I'm trying to get them started on their lives. I also have a consulting role that I do outside of Kaiser in the same industry, so my time is pretty tied up with my family and work. One day I hope to have more free time to focus on me and get involved in causes and nonprofits that interest me.