Every single day is the first day of the end of your life and when you realize that, it creates a sense of urgency around what you want to accomplish.
Obituary
Amy C. Chang, passed away on July 16, 2025, at the age of 53 in San Diego, California, after a valiant battle with breast cancer. Born on June 5, 1972, Amy was a beloved daughter to Tu-nan and Hsiao-lin, sister to Angela, devoted aunt to "Cutie Pie Niece" Ava, and wife to her loving husband, Jordan Raycroft. Amy has been laid to rest at the Miramar National Cemetery, Marker 2134, Section 13 (5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego, CA 92122 - Open 7 days a week Sunrise to Sunset).
Amy was born in Riverside, California, and after a short time in Chicago, Illinois, spent her childhood in West Covina, California. Known for her creative and inventive spirit, she had a passion for sewing and even made her own prom dress. She was an avid reader and excelled in academics, athletics, and leadership. Unafraid of new challenges, she left home to attend UC Berkeley and earned a BS in Business Administration. Full of humor and wit, Amy made many lifelong friends where ever she lived.
Amy's professional journey began at KPMG as a public accountant. She further honed her strategic and managerial skills with an MBA from UC Berkeley, leading to a pivotal role as a strategy consulting manager at Mitchell Madison Group, where she advised Fortune 500 companies.
As a distinguished strategy and financial executive, her career spanned more than 25 years in leadership roles across publicly-traded and privately-held companies, where she led strategic initiatives focused on growth, scalable operating models, mergers and acquisitions, and integration planning. Amy's expertise was enhanced by her corporate governance experience as an investor relations executive, a former auditor and CPA, and as an NACD Directorship Certified board member. Her strategic vision and comprehensive financial acumen left an indelible mark on the companies she guided, including over 15 privately-held companies where she served as a board and advisory board member.
Amy was a recognized thought leader in the healthcare services and talent management solutions sectors, frequently sharing her knowledge at conferences for the National Association of Travel Healthcare Organizations (NATHO) and Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA). Her contributions to the industry were honored with NATHO's 2024 Legacy Award, a testament to her lasting impact. From 2017 onward, Amy provided invaluable strategic consulting to private equity-backed firms and privately-held businesses in her fields. She was instrumental in elevating AMN Healthcare's market cap from $220 million to over $1.3 billion as its VP of Strategy & Investor Relations from 2009 to 2016. Her analytical prowess was also evident during her tenure as Healthcare Analyst for SIA from 2018 to 2020, where she authored key industry benchmarking studies.
Beyond her professional achievements, Amy was a vital force in the San Diego entrepreneurial scene, channeling her passion and insight into investments in over 50 startups. As a board member of NuFund Venture Group and an active member of the National Association of Corporate Directors, her impact was far-reaching. Her commitment to community service was evident in her involvement with the YMCA of San Diego County, where she held several key leadership positions and served on multiple committees.
Amy's wisdom, generosity, and unwavering drive inspired all who knew her. Her contributions to both her profession and community will be remembered and celebrated by many. She leaves behind a legacy of leadership, innovation, and dedication to the betterment of both industries and individuals.
Amy was known for her energy and relentless effort to do more, which extended into her personal life. Amy relished the role as auntie and loved to spend time with her niece Ava by going to the beach. They played pretend when Ava was little, and then took her on shopping and brunch trips as a teen. Amy was a friend to many, and enjoyed regularly meeting up for coffee or a meal. Amy recently met and married the love of her life, Jordan, who supported her with unwavering devotion throughout her battle with cancer. Amy will be missed, but her memory will live on in each of us.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the newly established Amy Chang Scholarship Fund with the YMCA of San Diego (see "Donate" below) to continue her passion for mentoring and empowering the next generation of her community.
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We first met during spring rush at Cal and bonded while watching Young & the Restless. She and I both used to travel frequently and were both good at keeping in touch. Neither of us liked “roughing it”’ or getting dirty, yet she trekked through the mud, bugs & humidity of the Peruvian Amazon with me, and tolerated basic accommodations and altitude sickness just to be part of one of my top 5 dream vacations with me. Later she would happily remember that I told her that she was part of one of my best week’s ever. THAT is a good friend.
Amy always said she had good weather luck - wherever she traveled to, she would bring the sunshine with her. We would usually catch up during long drives - when she drove to LA to see her family, or when I drove to NJ to see mine. As she drove less these past years, it would be between client calls/deadlines or when her husband was at work.
I will forever miss her sense of humor, confidence, positivity, sarcasm, practical analysis & decision-making advice and good & true heart. As Cory Booker once said, “Death can end a life but can’t end a love.” I will always love you, my friend, and look forward to seeing you again someday.
I am so happy she found Justin. While I didn’t meet him, I know he must be incredible if he married Amy!
Sending my deepest sympathy. This world lost a world class woman. One who ABSOLUTELY left an amazing legacy.
Family tree
Favorites
(1) But Not Tonight
(2) Just Can't Get Enough
(3) Everything Counts
(4) Never Let me Down
(5) Enjoy the Silence
Sushi Ota - Uni, Oysters, Sushi
Roberto's - Rolled Tacos
Celebration of Life
560 Silver Strand Blvd, Imperial Beach, CA 91932
Free parking (there is a lot to the left)
https://tinyurl.com/YMCACampSurfGoogleMap
1:00pm-4:00pm
Donate
Together, let us continue the legacy of mentoring and empowerment that Amy embodied throughout her life by giving to the Amy Chang Endowment Scholarship Fund (click below).
https://giving.classy.org/campaign/713082/donate
Also, see a video of Amy, where the YMCA featured her desire to always give back: www.youtube.com/watch?v=zREyWesRo6k
For those who have already donated, we thank you for honoring Amy's passion to give back and help others. Please share this link with anyone who is looking for a great cause!
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