Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas Names CAB Chairman

Editor's Note: The following news release is from Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas. 

Kevin Crawford, fire chief for the city of Carlsbad, has been appointed chairman of the Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas Community Advisory Board. As an ambassador for Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas, Chief Crawford will raise awareness about the North County nonprofit hospital’s philanthropic needs to support the critical care expansion currently under way.

Chief Crawford has served as fire chief for the city of Carlsbad since 2002. Beginning his career in public safety in 1983, he has supported the community in various public service positions throughout San Diego County, including work as a paramedic, firefighter and helicopter flight medic. Chief Crawford has been a community advisory board member for Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas for four years. 

“Chief Crawford’s leadership experience and connection to the North County coastal community gives Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas a tremendous advantage in raising awareness about the needs of our hospital,” said Carl Etter, chief executive and senior vice president for Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas. “His direct connection to all of the outstanding services that this hospital provides makes him an excellent advocate for Scripps.” 

In addition to his philanthropic work as a board member of several other local organizations, Chief Crawford served as president of the San Diego County Fire Chiefs’ Association from 2004 to 2007, and is the current chair for San Diego and Imperial County’s Regional Communication System. He is also co-founder of the Palomar College Paramedic Program and currently serves as Fire Academy instructor. 

“For 28 years I have been transporting patients to the emergency department at Scripps Encinitas,” said Chief Crawford. “I recognize the need to expand this hospital, and it is my goal to raise awareness about the vital role this emergency department and hospital play in our community, and the impact it will have for years to come.” 

As chairman of the community advisory board, Chief Crawford will help lead the effort to raise the remaining $10 million necessary to complete phase I of the Campaign for Scripps Encinitas, the formal fundraising effort to expand services and facilities at Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas. To date, the campaign has raised approximately $28 million for this vital expansion that will help meet the growing needs of San Diego’s North County communities.

Chief Crawford replaces David Kulchin as board chairman. After two years of exceptional service, Kulchin will remain on the board as vice chairman.