Julio Frenk has been named the seventh chancellor of UCLA, succeeding Gene Block who held the role for 17 years. Frenk, who is currently the president of the University of Miami, will take over next year.

“At this crucial moment for higher education, returning to the public sector to lead one of the top research universities in the world – including one of the 10 largest academic health systems – is an exciting opportunity and a great honor for me,” Frenk said in a statement. “I look forward to adding my lifelong commitment to public service in education and health care to the vibrant, diverse and cosmopolitan community that is Los Angeles.”

Block previously announced plans to step down July 31. Darnell Hunt, UCLA’s executive vice chancellor and provost, will serve as interim chancellor.

Frenk, a native of Mexico who previously served as the country’s secretary of health, is the university’s first Latino chancellor. He is coming to UCLA at an interesting time. In recent months the university has seen a number of protests over the Israel-Hamas war, as well as a strike by the academic workers union.

• • •

John Parker, co-founder of Parker Brown Inc. in Canoga Park, has been named chair of Mission Valley Bank and Mission Valley Bancorp, based in Sun Valley.

“It is with great pride and a sense of profound responsibility that I accept the position of Board Chair at Mission Valley Bank and Mission Valley Bancorp,” Parker said. “Under the guidance of Earle S. Wasserman, the bank flourished, becoming SoCal’s Community Bank. My goal is to continue enhancing our services while ensuring that we remain at the forefront of the industry in client service, innovation and community involvement.”

• • •

Dr. Amit Gosalia, a partner at Woodland Hills-based West Valley Hearing Center, was recently awarded a Clinical Excellence in Audiology Award by the American Academy of Audiology. Gosalia is the first doctor in California to receive the award.

“We are incredibly proud of Dr. Gosalia’s well-deserved recognition by the American Academy of Audiology,” Dr. Jane Rosner, partner and founder at West Valley Hearing Center, said in a statement.

The Insider is compiled by Interim Editor
Hannah Welk. She can be reached at
[email protected].