Roger Sturdevant

Farid Assemi, board chairman of Fresno’s Community Health System, has stepped down from his position.

He will be replaced at chair by Roger Sturdevant, helping oversee the hospital system that includes Community Regional Medical Center, Clovis Community Medical Center and Fresno Heart & Surgical Hospital.

The news was first reported this week by The Fresno Bee, which also reported that Sturdevant, a former banking executive, lives in Michigan.

Community Health System released the following statement from CEO Craig Castro:

“Farid Assemi has been a bold leader at a time when our healthcare system has experienced enormous challenges and change — including navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and expanding into the fully integrated system of care that we are today. After many years as a valued member of Community’s volunteer Board of Trustees — most recently as Chair — Farid has transitioned the chairman role to Roger Sturdevant, the Board’s current Chair-Elect.  We deeply appreciate Farid’s leadership and tireless service to our organization.”

Sturdevant has been on Community’s board since 2015, and began serving as chair effective April 12.

“Community Health System is fortunate to have a robust group of talented trustees who lend their knowledge from diverse industries to lead one of our region’s most vital assets,” said Castro.