President of St. Joseph Health – Sonoma County Todd Salnas was born in Wisconsin and raised there and in Arizona. The now-Santa Rosa resident “ started out down the physical therapy track” when enrolled at University of Arizona. “I volunteered at a few rehab clinics as part of an internship and I began to enjoy the challenge of the business aspects. So I decided to go into health care administration. I saw it as an opportunity to use my skills to develop strategy, work with people and lead teams in an industry where we have a direct line to our ability to make a difference in people’s lives. “I really do appreciate the mission of nonprofit health care organizations, particularly St. Joseph Health, which truly is dedicated to helping those struggling in their lives. It provides a great sense of fulfillment for me working with such a great organization dedicated to those in need.”
What do you love to do outside of work?
I spend the little time I have outside of work with my family, shuttling kids to birthday parties and sporting events. I usually coach one of my kids’ sports; most recently it was my son Drew’s Peanuts little league team.
What kind of music do you listen to?
On my iPod, I have everything from classical to hip-hop, top 40 and county. Zac Brown, Jack Johnson and Dave Matthews are a few of my more favorite artists.
How competitive are you?
I’m pretty competitive. I always played sports, including basketball, wresting and football. I was third in state for wrestling in Arizona. I still have a strong drive to succeed, but as I get older and wiser, I increasingly get a better handle on what’s important—what things are worth pushing for and what hills aren’t worth dying on.
What’s the last book you read?
I recently read Henry Trione’s Footprints of the Baker Boy, and I’d recommend it. It’s not only a great autobiography but also a very interesting history about Santa Rosa and the local community support and leadership that helped bring Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital to the community.
What was your first job?
Like most kids in my generation, it was a paper route. My second job was working at a medical supply warehouse one summer in Phoenix, Ariz. I stacked boxes into and out of trucks in 100-plus-degree heat. It kept me motivated to stay in school, that’s for sure.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
I’m a first-born American on my dad’s side of the family. His/our family immigrated during the Russian occupation of Latvia in World War II.
If you could do any job in the world for one day, what would it be?
I’d be a bartender at one of those swim-up bars at a tropical island beach. My best friend is a bartender in Maui, and he seems to have a pretty good life.
What’s your favorite sports team?
I grew up in Wisconsin and, as a child, went to Green Bay Packers football games with my grandfather. I’ve always followed the team. For about 10 years or so, I’ve flown out with friends or family to go to one Green Bay game per year. It’s great fun—except when they play the 49ers, lately. But I think this year will be our year.
Describe one of your happiest life moments.
Besides getting married and my kids being born, i t would be the Packers winning the Superbowl a few years ago.
