Carlsbad CA– Sharon Lutz, RN, BSN, CHPN, a seasoned hospice professional who has served Hospice of the North Coast (HNC) since 2011, has been named Acting Executive Director. She joined HNC as Director of Clinical Services and Quality Assurance/Performance Improvement.
Lutz has amassed more than two decades of experience in the fields of hospice, home health, skilled nursing and assisted living. She garnered expertise in an array of patient care and administrative management duties while serving Irvine-based Silverado Senior Living, Inc. from 2005-2010, including supervising all of Silverado’s clinical staff in San Diego and Orange Counties.
HNC Board of Directors President Bobbie Hoder states, “The Board is very pleased to have someone of Sharon’s experience, skills and passion for compassionate care lead our organization at this key juncture. She has already proven herself to be an innovative executive and was instrumental in pursuing the certification for and readiness of our Pacifica House residential facility, which began accepting terminally ill patients in December 2013.” Lutz replaces former Executive Director Nerice Kaufman, who accepted a position with an organization in Northern California.
Lutz says, “As someone who regards hospice as not merely a job but a calling, I am excited at this challenge and opportunity. I believe we are strongly positioned to be the hospice provider of choice in North County.”
Lutz lives in San Clemente. She is married and has two adult daughters. In addition to serving people through her work, she helps women in crisis through her ministry. She has traveled on three medical-educational-spiritual missions to the Central African country of Malawi, where she also sponsors two young children, enabling them to attend school in this impoverished area.
Nonprofit Hospice of the North Coast was established in 1980 to fill the need for comprehensive, compassionate hospice care in North County San Diego. Since its inception, it has grown in services, staff and clients. It currently provides a full spectrum of programs to terminally ill clients and their families, including anticipatory and post-death bereavement support, as well as a Pathways Program for those with a declining chronic disease. To fulfill its goal of maintaining dignity, comfort and highest quality of life for those it serves, regardless of ability to pay, HNC hosts fundraising events, operates a resale shop and maintains a cadre of volunteers. HNC’s Pacifica House in-patient residence in Carlsbad is the first such freestanding facility in North County.