Community Health System President and CEO Craig Castro announced intentions to retire in early 2025. Photo via Community Health System

Craig Castro, who has served nearly 23 of his 40-year career in the health care industry at Community Health System, announced this week his retirement as president and CEO early next year, according to Community Medical Centers’ Board Chair Roger Sturdevant.

Castro, who has served as Community’s president and CEO for nearly five years, informed the board of trustees of his decision Wednesday afternoon.

“While I could produce a much longer list of his accomplishments, among Craig’s most admirable — and one he’s extremely proud of — is the team he has put in place to lead this great organization into the future,” Sturdevant wrote Wednesday. “Please join me in congratulating Craig and celebrating his amazing service to our Community.”

During his tenure at Community Medical Centers, Castro oversaw the modernization of technology and integration of tech into electronic medical records — something that now serves as the “gold standard,” connecting thousands of patients and providers, according to a Community news release.

He also oversaw the multiphase expansion of Clovis Community Medical Center, tripling the hospital’s inpatient capacity and expanding the hospital’s cancer program. The additions complemented the 285 inpatient beds that were added at Community Regional Medical Center, according to the release.

Castro’s tenure began just days prior to when the first COVID-19 patients arrived at Community, ushering in the multi-year response to the global pandemic while simultaneously launching the Community Provider Network, a medical foundation that has grown to include nearly 500 providers.

“With Thanksgiving upon us, it is fitting to express our immense gratitude to Craig for his many bold achievements during his leadership tenure,” Sturdevant wrote.