Kaweah Health, located in Visalia, has appointed Marc Mertz as its new Chief Executive Officer, following the retirement of longtime leader Gary Herbst. The announcement was made on Monday by the hospital’s board of directors, marking a significant transition in leadership for the district hospital.
Mertz, who formerly held the position of chief strategy officer at Kaweah, brings over 30 years of experience in the healthcare sector. His background includes a strong focus on mergers and acquisitions, the growth of physician services, and system-wide strategy development. Board President Mike Olmos expressed confidence in Mertz’s ability to lead, stating, “We are excited for Marc to step into the position of CEO, bringing not only more than 20 years of experience outside our organization, but also a deep knowledge and understanding of Kaweah Health and our unique challenges.”
Mertz has been instrumental in building partnerships that have expanded the hospital’s resources. His collaborations with prestigious institutions such as the Cleveland Clinic and Valley Children’s Hospital exemplify his commitment to enhancing healthcare services. Under his leadership as chief strategy officer, Mertz also worked closely with national, state, and local officials, overseeing community engagement initiatives and the patient experience team.
In his own words, Mertz expressed his gratitude and excitement for the new role, saying, “I’m honored to have the confidence of the Board to serve Kaweah Health as its new CEO. During my time here, I have witnessed firsthand the fantastic care we provide to our patients. I am proud of our legacy and accomplishments, and I look forward to working with our employees and our medical staff to reach new levels of high-quality, compassionate care for our community.”
Gary Herbst announced his retirement in June after spending 34 years in various roles at Kaweah Health. His tenure has been marked by significant developments and challenges, and Mertz’s promotion represents a new chapter for the hospital as it navigates future opportunities.
The leadership transition comes at a time when healthcare organizations face a myriad of challenges, including the need for innovative strategies and enhanced collaboration among healthcare providers. With Marc Mertz at the helm, Kaweah Health aims to continue its commitment to providing exceptional care for its patients while adapting to an evolving healthcare landscape.
