Kaweah Health, located in Visalia, has appointed Marc Mertz as its new Chief Executive Officer. The announcement was made on Monday by the hospital’s board of directors, marking a significant leadership change as Mertz takes over from long-serving CEO Gary Herbst, who retired in June 2023 after 34 years with the organization.
Mertz, who previously held the position of chief strategy officer at Kaweah Health, has extensive experience in the healthcare sector. His background includes a strong focus on mergers and acquisitions, growth in physician services, and the development of system-wide strategies. Mike Olmos, President of the Kaweah Health Board, expressed enthusiasm for Mertz’s promotion, 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.”
Experience and Vision
Mertz’s career spans 30 years, primarily focusing on consulting and hospital-physician alignment. Before joining Kaweah Health in 2018, he served as Vice President and Physician Services Practice Leader at GE Healthcare in El Segundo, California. During his tenure at Kaweah Health, Mertz successfully forged partnerships with renowned institutions such as the Cleveland Clinic and Valley Children’s Hospital, enhancing the hospital’s resources and service offerings.
In his new role, Mertz aims to build on the hospital’s successes and address existing challenges. He has previously acted as a liaison between Kaweah Health and various governmental officials, overseeing community engagement groups and the patient experience team. Mertz expressed gratitude for the board’s confidence in his leadership, stating, “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.”
Looking Ahead
The transition comes at a critical time for Kaweah Health, as the organization looks to adapt to a rapidly changing healthcare landscape. With the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and increasing demands for healthcare services, Mertz’s leadership will be pivotal in steering the hospital towards a successful future.
As the new CEO, Mertz inherits a robust foundation laid by Herbst, whose tenure included significant growth and expansion of services. The board and staff at Kaweah Health are optimistic that Mertz’s extensive experience and strategic vision will guide the organization as it navigates upcoming challenges and seizes new opportunities.
Kaweah Health remains committed to providing high-quality care to the Visalia community, with Mertz now at the helm. His leadership is expected to foster an environment of innovation and collaboration, ensuring the hospital continues to meet the evolving needs of its patients and the broader community.
