Assemblymember Holden Recognizes Pasadena Public Health Director Dr. Ying-Ying Goh as Woman of the Year for 41st Assembly District

As part of an annual recognition of Women’s History Month in the state capitol, Assemblymember Chris Holden announces the city of Pasadena’s Director of Public Health and Health Officer, Dr. Ying-Ying Goh as the 41st Assembly District’s Woman of the Year.

“I am thrilled to have Dr. Ying-Ying Goh as Woman of the Year for the 41st Assembly District,” Holden said. “Her dedication in the face of overwhelming pressure is admirable and deserves to be acknowledged, Dr. Goh has worked tirelessly to get resources to the City of Pasadena and to its residents.”

Goh serves as the city’s director of public health and health officer, and is responsible for the overall planning, administration and operation of the Pasadena Public Health Department. In this dual role, Goh also provides medical supervision and direction for city health services and programs, and has the authority to declare public health emergencies and quarantines.

Prior to her appointment as director of public health, Dr. Goh served in various capacities at the Pasadena Public Health Department, as the city’s health officer/deputy director and also as the department’s medical director for programs and research, securing new grant funding and managing programs related to diabetes care management and childhood obesity prevention.

Her professional experience includes clinical pediatric practice; management of a California endowment task force to improve healthcare access and quality in Los Angeles County; design and implementation of a case management program for seniors with chronic conditions, and research to improve nutrition and physical activity for youth. Goh earned a bachelor’s degree at Stanford University.

In addition to recognizing Ying Ying Goh as the 41st Assembly District’s Woman of the Year, Assemblymember Holden will recognize a Woman of Distinction from each city throughout the district: Juanita West-Tillman (Altadena), Cher Ofstedahl (Claremont), Chief Colleen Flores (La Verne), Maritza Flores-Travanti (Monrovia), Elizabeth McSwain, (Rancho Cucamonga), Marilyn Sparks (San Dimas), Bertha Aguirre (Sierra Madre), Cathy Billings (South Pasadena) and Kim Anthony (Upland).

Over 150 nominations were sent to Assemblymember Holden for the honor.

“The 2022 Women of Distinction are dedicated leaders who improve the lives for thousands of individuals and families in the 41st Assembly District and beyond,” said Holden. “They demonstrate the power of giving to others and community empowerment. I am honored to be amongst a high caliber of professionals.”