By: Donna Duperron
Craig Leach, President and CEO, Torrance Memorial Medical Center will retire on October 31st with nearly 40 years of service to the organization. Leach was the chief financial officer before being appointed president and CEO in 2006.
“I have respected Craig’s leadership, his support for staff and employees, and his overall genuineness. He will be sorely missed, but it’s time now for him to focus on himself and his family, and let the weight of the past 40 years transition to another,” said Sherry Kramer, chairwoman of the board, Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce.
Leach served on the Torrance Chamber’s Board of Directors and continually provided valuable input at the meetings.
“Craig Leach has been an incredible community member for so many years. He has always amazed me with how approachable and responsive he always is. When I participated on the Chamber Board as an Ex Officio Member I observed how valuable his leadership was in keeping the Chamber going when there was a transition between Directors. I will miss having him as my “go-to” person for anything Torrance Memorial related but am thankful he plans to continue on the Board of Trustees. I wish Craig nothing but the best in his retirement!” said Fran Fulton, Economic Development Manager, City of Torrance.
Leach has been described as a man with integrity, a man who can remember things well, and the smartest person in the room. His legacy includes the $480 million Lundquist Tower completed in 2014 and the opening in 2019 of the Hunt Cancer Center.
“Craig is such a down-to-earth person. His past guidance serving on the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and his leadership at Torrance Memorial Medical Center has made an extraordinary impact in the South Bay” stated Richard Tsao, former Chairman of the Board.
Under his leadership, Torrance Memorial staff have been champions of several community events and activities.
“Craig Leach and Torrance Memorial have been longtime supporters of the chamber. His leadership and insight has been valuable over the years and he will be missed,: commented Mark Applegate, former chairman of the board.
