California Hospital CEO Retirement | Becker’s Hospital Review
Gary herbst, Kaweah Health’s CEO, will retire on June 30, 2026, after 34 years, a move set to reshape teh healthcare landscape in Visalia, as reported by becker’s Hospital Review. Herbst, who took the helm in 2017, considerably expanded the hospital into a regional trauma center. His past roles as director of business development and CFO underscore his impact on the organization’s growth, making him a key figure in local healthcare.The 5,000-employee hospital now prepares for a new CEO.Stay informed with News Directory 3 for breaking industry news. Discover what’s next for Kaweah Health.
Kaweah Health CEO Gary Herbst Announces 2026 Retirement
Updated June 18, 2025
Gary herbst, the CEO of Kaweah Health in Visalia, Calif., will retire on June 30, 2026, concluding a 34-year tenure with the healthcare institution. Herbst’s leadership role began in 2017, making him the fourth CEO in Kaweah Health’s history.
During his career, Herbst also served as director of business development and chief financial officer. His contributions are credited with transforming Kaweah Health from a community hospital into a regional medical and trauma center,substantially impacting healthcare access in the area. The hospital now employs over 5,000 people and has 700 medical staff members.
“Deciding when to retire is never easy,” Herbst said. “My late father-in-law once told me that you simply know when the time is right — not because of calculations or milestones, but by instinct. I now understand what he meant, and while this is a tough decision both personally and professionally, I know it is indeed the right time for me and for Kaweah Health.”
What’s next
Kaweah Health will begin the search for a new CEO to continue its mission of providing quality healthcare to the Visalia community. The hospital remains focused on its role as a key healthcare provider in the region.