RCB Board Member Spotlight

The Respiratory Care Board (RCB) values the dedicated professionals who serve on our Board. Through our Board Member Spotlight series, we highlight the experiences, insights, and contributions of those who help shape respiratory care in California. Each month, we will feature a different Board member, sharing their journey, perspectives on the profession, and vision for the future. Join us in getting to know the leaders who are committed to upholding high standards and advancing the field of respiratory care.

• Meet Our Board President: Ricardo Guzman
  

  The Respiratory Care Board (RCB) is proud to introduce Ricardo Guzman, our esteemed Board President. Appointed to the Board by the Senate Pro Tempore on January 17, 2019, Ricardo serves as a licensee member and has led the Board as President since January 1, 2020. With an incredible 42-year career in respiratory therapy, Ricardo brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his role, shaping the future of respiratory care in California.

  Currently, Ricardo serves as a Professor and Program Director at Napa Valley College and continues his hands-on work as a bedside Respiratory Care Practitioner at NorthBay Health. His journey with the Board began long before he officially became a member—attending meetings, advocating for higher standards, and witnessing the unwavering commitment of the Board’s staff and members.

  "I became an RT before the Board was established and was grandfathered in. Having a license to practice enhanced our profession’s reputation, and I always respected the work the Board does behind the scenes."

  After years of professional advocacy, Ricardo applied for a Board position, recognizing the vital role RCB plays in regulating the profession to ensure patient safety.

  A Passion for Elevating the Profession

  For Ricardo, serving on the Board is not just about regulation—it’s about raising the standards of respiratory care across the state.

  "My goal is that the work we do—whether at the bedside, as managers, or as educators—is elevated to a higher standard. If we are not growing, we are stagnant."

  As President, Ricardo is committed to protecting and serving consumers by advancing meaningful improvements in the RCB’s programs and the respiratory care profession.

  A Message to the Respiratory Care Community

  Ricardo believes that every RCP plays a heroic role, even if their impact isn’t always visible.

  "The work RCPs do is heroic, even if we are not recognized as we would expect. We often don’t realize the profound impact we have on our patients, their families, and even our colleagues."

  We are grateful for Ricardo’s leadership and his dedication to respiratory care in California. Stay tuned for more spotlights on the incredible individuals shaping our profession!

• Meet Our Board Vice President: Raymond Hernandez
  

  We are excited to introduce another of our dedicated Board Members and Vice President, Raymond Hernandez, MPH, RRT, NPS, FAARC. With over 40 years of experience as a California licensed RCP, Ray brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the RCB.

  A Career Dedicated to Respiratory Care
  Ray's journey in respiratory care began in 1986. For the first two decades of his career, he provided bedside care with a focus on neonatal and pediatric respiratory care. Transitioning into education, he spent the next 25 years training future RCPs as an educator and director for the Skyline College Respiratory Care Program in the San Francisco Bay Area. His commitment to advancing the profession extended to serving as a Dean for the Science, Math, and Technology Division. Though semi-retired, Ray continues to teach part-time, sharing his expertise with the next generation of respiratory care practitioners.

  Why He Serves
  Ray's dedication to the respiratory care profession inspired him to serve on the RCB. He has long been involved in supporting the growth and elevation of the field, collaborating with practitioners, educators, and the California Society for Respiratory Care. Serving on the Board allows him to contribute from a policy perspective, ensuring that California consumers receive high-quality respiratory care.

  The Rewards of Board Service
  When asked about the most rewarding part of his role, Ray highlighted the opportunity to engage with stakeholders across the state. Hearing firsthand about the successes and challenges faced by practitioners has fueled his commitment to refining regulations and shaping policies that support both professionals and patients.

  Personal and Professional Impact
  Serving on the RCB has further strengthened Ray's perspective as both a practitioner and a California resident. Knowing that his contributions have had a positive effect on respiratory care delivery across the state is deeply fulfilling. His experiences on the RCB have also enhanced his appreciation of the legislative process and the collaborative efforts that drive meaningful change.

  Looking Ahead
  As Chair of the RCB’s Professional Qualifications Committee, Ray is particularly focused on the Board’s current strategic plan goal to review and revise educational requirements for RCP licensure. He hopes to ensure that California RCPs maintain their competency and continue to grow in their careers, ultimately benefiting the patients they serve.

  A Message to the Respiratory Care Community
  Ray reminds us all of the RCB’s primary mission: to protect and serve California’s consumers. He encourages the respiratory care community to work together to provide the best possible care, ensuring that practitioners have the necessary resources and support to excel.

  Fun Fact
  A proud California native, Ray has set a personal goal to visit and enjoy all nine of California’s national parks in the coming years. We wish him happy travels on this exciting adventure!

  Join us in celebrating Vice President Hernandez for his invaluable contributions to the Respiratory Care Board and the respiratory care profession.

• Meet Our Board Member: Manuel Magpapian
  

  In our latest “Meet the Board” feature, we’re proud to introduce Manuel Magpapian, a Senior Trial Attorney at Allstate Insurance and a valued member of the Board. Manuel’s professional work involves representing individuals in legal cases related to car accidents, where he tirelessly advocates for fairness and justice.

  Manuel is an active member of the RCB’s Outreach Committee, which focuses on developing consumer outreach projects such as the Board’s newsletter, website, e-government initiatives, and presentations to external organizations. As part of this role, he serves as a goodwill ambassador, representing the RCB at the invitation of various programs and community groups.

  Why He Chose to Serve on the Board
  Manuel’s passion for giving back to his community inspired him to join the Board. He recognizes the critical role the Board plays in protecting consumers and ensuring safe respiratory care. “The Board does a lot of good work for the community, and I wanted to contribute to that important mission,” he says.

  Most Rewarding Experiences
  One of the highlights of Manuel’s service on the Board has been connecting with dedicated professionals in the respiratory care industry. “Meeting the incredible people who work in respiratory care and seeing their passion for the field has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” he shares.

  Personal and Professional Growth
  Manuel describes his time on the Board as both enlightening and inspiring. “I’ve learned so much about the respiratory care industry, its rules and regulations, and the people who are driving its future. This experience has deepened my appreciation for the essential work being done in this field.”

  Goals and Aspirations
  Manuel is committed to making the Board more transparent and ensuring that Californians understand the vital work the RCB performs. “I want to spread the word about the great work we do to serve and protect consumers throughout the state,” he explains.

  A Message for the Respiratory Care Community
  “We work for you and strive to serve you to the best of our abilities,” Manuel emphasizes.

  Fun Fact
  Beyond his legal and Board responsibilities, Manuel is a U.S. history enthusiast and an avid reader of fiction and fantasy. Impressively, he can name all U.S. Presidents in order, a testament to his love of learning!

  You can follow Manuel on Instagram @Mag_pap for more insights and updates!

  Stay tuned for more stories from the dedicated members of the Respiratory Care Board.