TEMPLETON, CA  – Nicholas Tejeda, Chief Operating Officer for Twin Cities Community Hospital, was one of 12 people chosen nationally for the 2011 “Up and Comers” award in Modern Healthcare magazine.

This program, co-sponsored by Witt/Kieffer, an Oak Brook, Ill.-based executive search firm, honors rising young stars in the healthcare management field. With over 202 nomination entries received, the editorial review board (composed of the magazine's senior editors) selected the final list of executives based on "significant contributions in healthcare administration, management or policy," according to Modern Healthcare's website. The article, featuring Tejeda, was published in the September 19, 2011 issue.

Tejeda graduated from Wichita State University and received his Masters in Health Services Administration from the University of Kansas Medical Center. He then spent four years at Catholic Healthcare West; three as Vice President of Hospital and Ambulatory Operation at Saint Mary’s Health Network in Reno, Nevada ,and recently joined the Tenet Healthcare Corp. as Chief Operating Office of Twin Cities Community Hospital at the age of 31.

Tejeda’s notable achievements included significant growth in outpatient volume, strong productivity performance, and strengthening of relationships with community physicians.

“Clearly, we in healthcare serve a very diverse population, and that population is best served by having leaders in the organizations who can relate to people of different cultures and ethnicities,” Tejeda says.

 “Nicholas’ experience and leadership are a wonderful fit for Twin Cities Community Hospital. His role at the hospital has made an immediate impact and we are happy to have him as a part of our executive team,” said Rick Lyons, CEO.

Tejeda says he couldn't have achieved so much at such a young age without the support of his wife, Elena. Additionally, Tejeda receives support from the National Forum for Latino Healthcare Executives whose members he says mentored and encouraged him when he was a student in a way that enabled him to compete for C-suite positions. He now serves as a director on the organization's board.