Strategic Ethics and Compliance Program Solutions for Sustainable Healthcare Innovation
Are you leading a healthcare startup and driven by a deep commitment to closing critical gaps in care? Do you envision building an organization that not only serves patients with respect and dignity but also prioritizes ethical practices and compliance? Whether you are seasoned in healthcare or just starting out, you're eager to learn and establish a strong foundation for your business.
I’m Laura Sauber, a healthcare executive with decades of experience guiding organizations through the intricate maze of federal and state regulations. My passion lies in empowering healthcare leaders to create organizations grounded in integrity and excellence. I specialize in crafting ethics and compliance programs that aren’t just about ticking boxes—they’re strategic assets that minimize risk, foster trust, and drive sustainable growth. Working collaboratively with leadership and cross-functional teams, I aim to enhance performance, improve quality of care, service, and affordability for the patients we serve. Together, we can transform compliance into your competitive advantage.
I grew up as the oldest of four in a Mexican-American family where responsibility, resilience, and a strong sense of community were core values. Straddling two cultures taught me to navigate complexity and embrace different perspectives. Though I started out timid and unsure of my potential, my journey has been one of growth and transformation, shaped by the power of mentorship, connection and collaboration.
My path into healthcare began with a deep desire to serve others—a dream that started with wanting to be a doctor. However, as life often does, my path shifted. After a humbling MCAT score and earning a Biology degree from UC Irvine, a friend suggested I pursue healthcare administration—a career that still met my desire to serve others and make a difference.
An internship at Cedars-Sinai Medical Network Services introduced me to a mentor who profoundly changed the course of my life. When I shared that my ambition was to “be a manager,” my mentor challenged me: “Why not be the CEO of a hospital?”
That single question opened my mind to possibilities I had never considered.
With my mentor’s encouragement, I pursued a Master of Healthcare Administration at the University of Southern California and secured an administrative residency at LAC+USC Medical Center. During my residency, I would share observations with leadership, and they often validated my perspectives. That small act of listening was a gift I needed to begin the journey of building my confidence.
Early experiences in my career led me to understand leadership behaviors misaligned with an organization’s values could undermine team performance. At a large health system in Minnesota, I spoke up against such behaviors, only to realize…
Systemic change requires leadership aligned with shared values.
That was the first time I used my voice to speak up against inappropriate behavior. It was uncomfortable but I knew it was the right thing to do. I decided to leave to a Medicaid organization where I experienced what it was like to work in an inclusive culture. It became clear to me that thriving professionally meant being in a culture aligned with my values.
When I returned to California, I was hired as Executive Consultant to Kaiser Permanente's regional COO. A few years later, I transitioned to building the region's first ethics and compliance program. This change was driven by witnessing significant misconduct by a senior leader, resulting in multiple terminations. The signs of silence and fear made it clear that culture is the foundation for preventing misconduct.
I dedicated my career to building programs that empower employees, strengthen performance, and align values with business strategy.
Over the years, I built a reputation as a strategic compliance leader with a passion for organizational integrity. After progressive leadership roles, I served as Vice President of Compliance for Kaiser Permanente’s National Health Plan Operations, overseeing compliance for 10 million members and $55 billion in revenue.
During that time, I developed an integrated risk management program spanning compliance, audit, SOX, privacy, and security, and I led the compliance initiative for the implementation of the Affordable Care Act.
As Vice President and Compliance Officer for the Commercial and Specialty Division of Elevance Health, serving 40 million members and generating $40 billion in revenue, I transformed the compliance program, increased senior leadership engagement, strengthened governance across local markets, and strategically managed relationships with state and federal regulators.
After decades in the corporate world, I took the leap.
In 2024, I founded Sauber Consulting to help healthcare startups build cultures where ethical decision-making and compliance are not just obligations but strategic assets that reduce risk, fuel sustainable growth, and build trust with stakeholders.
In addition to running my practice, I’m proud to serve as Vice President of Philanthropy for the National Charity League’s Temecula-Murrieta Chapter. I co-founded the LinkedIn Value-Based Care Independent Consultant Network, am a member of Women Business Leaders in Healthcare, Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association, Hera Hub Temecula and am a former CHIEF member.
When I’m not working, you’ll find me at home in Southern California with my husband—my greatest supporter—our two teenage children, and our fluffy dog, Luna. My life has been shaped by the belief that doing the right thing isn’t just a moral obligation; it’s the foundation for sustainable growth, trusted relationships, and a better future for healthcare.
