C.J. Lee

CJ Lee brings more than two decades of experience across hospital systems, health plans, public healthcare, and strategic consulting, featuring a unique blend of operational insight, network development, and community-rooted leadership. 

A California native and UC Riverside alumnus, C.J.’s career has been deeply embedded in the region’s healthcare landscape. He served for a decade at Riverside Community Hospital, where he advanced from Director of Physician Relations to Vice President of Business Development, driving clinical expansion, physician alignment, and service line growth. He later held a key strategic role at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in San Bernardino County, where he supported regional access initiatives and cardiac service development in one of the state's largest public health systems. He continues to bring experience to UCR Health from former positions as a Chief Strategy Officer with Tenet Healthcare and a Regional VP of Business Development for California and Nevada with Prime Healthcare.

This enduring commitment to the Inland Empire is now focused on advancing UCR Health’s mission as a growing academic health system. As Chief Strategy Officer, C.J. leads strategic planning, clinic and specialty network expansion, managed care partnerships, and branding efforts—all in alignment with the UC Riverside School of Medicine’s goals to serve underserved populations, train the next generation of clinicians, and improve access to quality care across the region.

C.J. holds an MBA in Finance from the University of Redlands—where he was awarded the Whitehead Leadership Award—and a dual bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Sociology from UC Riverside.  

His professional affiliations include the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), the Hospital Association of Southern California (HASC), and the California Hospital Association (CHA).

With a career defined by strategic leadership and a deep understanding of local healthcare needs, C.J. Lee’s appointment signals an exciting new chapter for UCR Health—and for the communities it serves.