BRIEFLY IN BUSINESS

Packer joins Droz management group

Jerry Packer has joined the Droz Group as vice president of client services. Packer will focus on new-client development and streamlining logistics for the Laguna Beach-based management company, which specializes in working with nonprofit corporations.

For the last 15 years, Packer was co-owner of Exhibitcorp, a Los Angeles exhibit company specializing in the design, manufacture and logistics of trade show displays.

“Jerry’s experience fits perfectly with the growth strategy the Droz Group is implementing,” said Fred Droz, president of the Droz Group. “His ability to build relationships and attention to detail was very attractive to us — I’m sure our clients will feel the same way.”

Packer holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Cal State Fullerton.

For more information about the Droz Group, visit www.thedrozgroup.com or call (949) 715-6932.

Bates elected to hospital board

Patricia C. (“Pat”) Bates, Fifth District Orange County Supervisor, has been elected to the South Coast Medical Center Foundation Board of Directors.

Supervisor Bates and her husband, John Bates, are longtime members of the StarFinders, the largest support group of the hospital.

“I was honored to join the South Coast Medical Center Foundation board because the hospital has had an extremely positive impact on the lives of people who reside in my district,” Bates said. “I am happy to have the opportunity to help ensure the hospital remains [in Laguna Beach] and prospers.”

Elizabeth Schneider, the foundation’s executive director, said the immediate goal of the group is to raise funds for equipment and facilities.

“Shortly, we will reactivate our efforts to continue to raise funds for the cancer center that has been planned for a number of years,” Schneider added.

For more information about the South Coast Medical Center Foundation, call Schneider at (949) 499-7147.