Eric Klimes

Fresno’s Hinds Hospice has a new CEO to replace Amy Tobin, who is retiring after more than five years leading the end-of-life care provider.

Eric Klimes brings more than 17 years of executive experience in hospice care, leading agencies in Washington, D.C., Virginia, Maryland, Iowa and Indiana. Klimes, an Army veteran, earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, Maryland.

“Eric Klimes’ depth of hospice knowledge and experience brings additional strength to Hinds Hospice,” said Tobin, who retires in June. “Eric truly has a heart and spirit for hospice care, and will continue to carry on Nancy Hinds’ mission to ease suffering. Our organization will continue to build on its legacy of success, and, as it enters this new chapter, Hinds Hospice will benefit from his considerable experience and dedication. I look forward to seeing Hinds Hospice continue to expand the services we provide so we can help even more families in need of our care.”

Klimes, who comes to Fresno after serving as CEO of the Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home in Fort Wayne, Indiana, became an advocate of hospice care after helping care for his grandmother during her final days of life in 1999.

“The goal of hospice is to ease suffering for not only the patient, but for the entire family,“ said Klimes. “Hospice is health care, but a huge component is grief support and education for the family. We help families navigate during a difficult time. The team at Hinds Hospice is exceptional, and I am excited to continue the great work they do in the Central Valley.”

Established in 1981, Hinds Hospice currently cares for about 250 patients.

Scott Shimamoto, Hinds Hospice board president, thanked Tobin for her service and for helping pick her successor.

“Amy has been an incredible leader for Hinds Hospice and we are grateful for her unwavering commitment and many contributions to Hinds Hospice’s success,” Shimamoto said. “Succession planning is a top priority for our Board of Directors, and we conducted a thorough search to identify the right person to lead this agency into the future. We are confident Eric and the Hinds Hospice leadership team will continue to focus on upholding Hinds Hospice’s great heritage and values.”