Directors of the Grossmont Healthcare District are set to evaluate the potential hiring of a new chief executive officer during their regular meeting on Tuesday. The board is considering James Sly, the current CEO of the East County Economic Development Corporation, as a candidate for the position.
Sly has an extensive background within the East County region, having served as the vice president of the corporation from 2012 to 2020 before being appointed president and CEO. His experience aligns with the Grossmont board’s recent initiatives, particularly in workforce development projects that focus on training individuals for critical healthcare roles, including patient care aides, medical assistants, and licensed vocational or registered nurses.
The consideration of Sly follows the board’s decision in March 2023 to not renew the contract of former CEO Christian Wallis. The board did not publicly disclose the reasons for Wallis’s dismissal, raising questions about the transition.
Located in La Mesa, the Grossmont Healthcare District has collaborated closely with the East County EDC, which has bolstered its community engagement efforts through various programs. Unlike similar public health care districts such as Palomar Health in Escondido and Tri-City Medical Center in Oceanside, Grossmont operates its hospital, Sharp Grossmont Hospital, in partnership with the private nonprofit Sharp HealthCare.
As part of its mandate, the Grossmont board focuses primarily on grantmaking, utilizing funds from property tax levies to support a diverse range of local initiatives. At the upcoming meeting, the board plans to adopt its 2025-26 grant award list, which includes recommendations for grants to 45 local organizations. The board is also considering sponsorship for 10 community events.
Should Sly be appointed as the new CEO, his contract would stipulate an annual salary of $280,000, accompanied by a $10,000 annual stipend for professional development. This investment reflects the board’s commitment to fostering strong leadership that can drive the district’s mission forward and enhance healthcare services in the region.
