UCSF Health Regents Approve Stipend for Pearson and Salary for Horton

The Health Services Committee of the University of California convened on July 13, 2025, to address several key administrative and personnel matters. The meeting focused on the approval of stipends, appointments, and the establishment of new management positions within the UC Health system.

The first item on the agenda was the recommendation for an administrative stipend for Madeline Pearson, the chief nursing executive and vice president of patient care services at UCSF Health. The proposed stipend amounts to $50,157, representing 7.5% of her current base salary. This stipend is set to be effective from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, or until a new Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) is appointed, whichever occurs first. The stipend is necessary as her total compensation will place her at the 83rd percentile of the market reference zone for her position, requiring approval from the Regents.

Following this, the committee discussed the appointment of a new senior vice president of adult services at UC San Francisco Health. The previous incumbent stepped down on November 28, 2024, and after a competitive recruitment process, Miss Horton was selected as the top candidate. Her proposed base salary is set at $1,050,000, effective on her start date, estimated to be no earlier than September 1, 2025. This salary exceeds the 90th percentile of the market due to the competitive nature of the candidate pool. Additionally, a hiring bonus of 20%, amounting to $210,000, was proposed to ensure the offer remains competitive.

The committee then moved on to discuss the establishment of two new senior management group positions within the Office of the President for UC Health. This item required approval for the creation of a new Level 2 senior management position and its corresponding market reference zone, as no similar position currently exists at the UC Office of the President. The need for this position arises from the strategic framework review of UC Health, emphasizing the importance of skilled negotiation and partnership development at both state and federal levels, particularly in light of recent changes to the Medicaid program.

The meeting concluded with the approval of all discussed items, including the stipend for Pearson, the appointment of Horton, and the establishment of new management positions. The committee is set to continue its discussions in future meetings, with the next item on the agenda focusing on pharmacy issues at the UC Medical Center.