Marc Friedman

Marc Friedman has built a distinguished and deeply impactful career in the healthcare industry, defined by expertise, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. With advanced degrees and certifications in Gerontology, Psychology, and Health Science, Marc is a practicing Gerontologist and an active member of the Gerontological Society of America.

Marc began his healthcare leadership journey at Cerna Healthcare in 2007 as Executive Vice President and was promoted to President in 2015. Under his guidance, Cerna grew into one of Southern California’s most respected and fastest‑growing healthcare organizations. Alongside his executive leadership, Marc earned certifications as a patient advocate, behavioral health advocate, and senior advisor — further demonstrating his dedication to supporting individuals across a wide range of medical and emotional needs. In 2016, Marc co‑founded Aptiva Care Management, a company specializing in medical, geriatric, behavioral health, traumatic brain injury, and neurological impairment advocacy and care coordination. As Managing Director, he continues to drive innovation, elevate standards of care, and champion a model rooted in compassion, clarity, and client‑centered support.

Marc’s passion for helping vulnerable individuals extends beyond his professional roles. In 2012,he founded the Cerna Foundation, serving as its inaugural chairperson and guiding its mission to provide critical assistance to families in crisis. In early 2024, he became a founding executive board member of The Side House Foundation, a Southern California nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals and families navigating medical crises. His leadership and vision have earned significant recognition. In 2025, Marc was nominated for Innovator of the Year, and in 2026, he was nominated for Entrepreneur of the Year by the Orange County Business Journal.

Marc is also a sought‑after speaker, known for his widely attended presentation, “Your Brain Made Simple.” Delivered across the United States, this engaging and accessible program demystifies the complexities of the brain and explores how it changes with age. His audiences include physicians, clinicians, social workers, patients, and families — all drawn to his ability to make science understandable, meaningful, and human. Marc’s career reflects a lifelong dedication to improving healthcare outcomes, advocating for vulnerable populations, and fostering a deeper understanding of the human brain and the aging process.