Pegi Matsuda, a longtime civic leader in the San Fernando Valley, has sent an email saying she will step down from her position at Valley Presbyterian Hospital, where she is president of the foundation as well as senior vice president of community development. Her last day will be June 28. In an email to fellow board members on the Valley Economic Alliance notifying them of her departure, Matsuda didn’t give a reason for her exit but said she is leaving team on good terms. “My boss, Gus (Valdespino), and I are in a good place and there’s no drama going on,” she wrote. “I am not certain what I’ll be doing but I am looking forward to planning a new course for myself.” The Business Journal was unable to reach Matsuda to confirm the departure. It’s unclear who will succeed her on the leadership team of the hospital and its foundation. Matsuda was appointed as senior vice president of community development in 2012 and as foundation president in 2015. Prior to joining Valley Presbyterian, she served as publisher of the San Fernando Valley Business Journal from 1999 to 2012. She has also held leadership positions in sales and marketing for southern California corporations including GTE Telephone Operation and Sempra Energy. Matsuda has long been a fixture at civic events and on community boards. Besides serving on the economic alliance board, she is on the board of the Valley Economic Development Corp. and the Valley Industry and Commerce Association. “What Pegi teaches all of us – don’t underestimate the power of your vision to change the world,” said Economic Alliance President and Chief Executive Kenn Phillips. “Start with the core belief that your contribution can help others to make a positive change.” “She has been a powerful leader in the San Fernando Valley,” added Economic Alliance Chairman Randy Witt. “And her departure from Valley Presbyterian Hospital will be a brief pause in her continuing quest to improve our community for everyone.” Matsuda has received numerous business and philanthropic awards from groups including the San Fernando Valley Bar Association, MEND and Haven Hills. In 2013, she was named “Woman of the Year” by the state of California’s 42nd Assembly District.