Kaweah Health in Visalia has announced the appointment of Marc Mertz as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. The hospital’s board of directors revealed this decision on Monday, marking a significant leadership change following the retirement of longtime CEO Gary Herbst.
Marc Mertz, previously the hospital’s Chief Strategy Officer, has been with Kaweah Health since 2018. His extensive background in health care includes over 30 years of experience, particularly in consulting, mergers and acquisitions, and hospital-physician alignment. His selection is attributed to his deep understanding of the organization and its unique challenges.
Leadership Vision and Experience
The board president, Mike Olmos, expressed confidence in Mertz’s capabilities, 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.” Olmos emphasized that Mertz is well-suited to navigate the hospital through upcoming challenges and opportunities.
Before his tenure at Kaweah Health, Mertz served as Vice President and Physician Services Practice Leader at GE Healthcare in El Segundo. His strategic initiatives at Kaweah include forging partnerships with renowned institutions such as the Cleveland Clinic and Valley Children’s Hospital, thereby enhancing resources available to patients.
In his role as Chief Strategy Officer, Mertz also acted as a liaison between the hospital and various governmental officials at national, state, and local levels. He played a vital role in overseeing community engagement initiatives and improving patient experience.
Looking Ahead
In a statement following his appointment, Mertz expressed his gratitude for the board’s confidence, 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, who has been with Kaweah Health for 34 years in various capacities, announced his retirement in June 2023. His departure has set the stage for Mertz to lead the organization into its next chapter, focusing on enhanced health care delivery and community engagement.
As Kaweah Health transitions to new leadership under Mertz, stakeholders and community members alike will be watching closely to see how his experience and vision will shape the future of health care in Visalia.
