Tom Bakaly recently took the reins of Beach Cities Health District (BCHD) and already the former City Manager of Hermosa Beach is living out his purpose by helping to create a healthy beach community.
We sat down with Tom to discuss, among a host of other topics: what local health issues BCHD plans to address; his experience working with Mitt Romney on the 2002 Winter Olympics; and what lies ahead for the health of the Beach Cities.
You helped organize the 2002 Winter Olympics, multiple Sundance Film Festivals, two Super Bowls and the World Cup during your career. How did those experiences shape you professionally?
“It’s a lot of work, but even more fun. Events were always something I gravitated toward; in fact, my old boss used to say I was like a ‘moth to a flame,’ because I wanted to be right in the middle of the action. Those experiences taught me a lot about teamwork and the importance of creating an organizational culture where all hands are on deck – which is right in line with the workplace at Beach Cities Health District.”
Did you work with Mitt Romney on the 2002 Winter Olympics?
“I worked with him on several instances. He’s a to-the-point guy, no nonsense. Likable enough, bright and a pretty dynamic leader – but you didn’t want to make him angry.”
Word has it you’re a big L.A. sports fan, so Trojans or Bruins?
“Trojans. I went to grad school there, and my whole family still attends football games – although I was born and raised right down the road from the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. I’m also a Dodgers, Lakers, Kings and big LA Rams fan from way back.”
What compelled you to apply for the CEO position at Beach Cities Health District?
“A chance to be part of the solution and make a difference in my community. I was drawn to the opportunity to work for a respected community organization that has a clear purpose and vision: to create a healthy beach community. Additionally, BCHD’s organizational culture and methodical approach to improving health, using research and measurement, really resonates with me.”
Why work in community health?
“Community health just makes sense, and I find myself thinking about my own health more as I age, though I’m still a young 52. I was fortunate to be in a position in Hermosa Beach, and now at BCHD, where I could make a difference by supporting evidence-based efforts to improve public health, like stronger smoke-free policies, a social host ordinance to curb underage drinking and implementing Blue Zones Project to help people live longer. Now as I look at this opportunity with BCHD, I’m excited and honored have the chance to make a positive impact and create a healthier environment where families can thrive.”
Can you expand more on your history with Blue Zones Project and smoke-free policies?
“Well, I supported both because, again, they made sense for our community. As a former smoker who quit more than 20 years ago, I know the importance of creating a healthy environment and the positive effect public smoke-free policies have on cessation and protecting people from second-hand smoke. And when Blue Zones Project came to my attention in 2012, I thought it was a no-brainer to support a communitywide, data-driven effort to create healthier schools, workplaces, public spaces and streets – not to mention it was a great chance to generate a little healthy competition with Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach surrounding city certification.”
What health challenges are you eager to address?
“Ultimately, our goal at BCHD is to create an environment that supports healthy choices, because it’s all about personal choice. To achieve that, our Board of Directors recently outlined health priorities for the next three years, and the first one that jumps off the page to me is reducing the prevalence of teen substance use, especially among high school kids. That’s a challenge our community isn’t fully addressing yet, so that’s an area that needs more dialogue. And the other big issue is helping older adults age gracefully by providing them with necessary resources like transitional housing, dementia support and end-of-life planning.”
What about the Beach Cities do you enjoy most?
“The culture, the beach, of course, but most of all the people and families who live here. They’re who make it a really special place to call home.”
Anything else to add?
“A few years ago, I discovered my purpose is to do the next right thing. Well, Beach Cities Health District is that next thing for me. I couldn’t be happier.”
