Gary Herbst was a CPA for what is now Ernst & Young when Kaweah Delta District Hospital became his very first client. Now after 34 years with Kaweah Health, he plans to retire in 2026. Kaweah Health photo

Kaweah Health announced on June 17 that CEO Gary K. Herbst will retire effective June 30, 2026, concluding a distinguished 34-year career with the organization that included steering the system through the pandemic.

Herbst, who will be 66 at the time of retirement, has the distinction of being only the fourth CEO in Kaweah Health’s more than 60-year history. He oversees 5,000 hospital employees and Kaweah Health has a medical staff of 700.

The retirement announcement comes after Herbst’s tenure was extended by one year from the original June 2025 retirement date, with full support from the Board of Directors.

Herbst’s journey with Kaweah Health began in 1983 following graduation from the University of the Pacific in Stockton with a degree in business administration. Starting as a certified public accountant with Ernst & Whinney (now Ernst & Young), Herbst had Kaweah Delta District Hospital (now Kaweah Health) as his very first client. After nine years serving Central Valley hospitals, he joined Kaweah Health in 1992 as director of business development, advanced to chief financial officer in 1995 and assumed the CEO role in 2017.

He was at the helm of Kaweah Health at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Kaweah Health Medical Center was among the local facilities hardest hit, even declaring an internal disaster “Code Triage” in November 2021 with more than 50 admitted patients without a bed.

Herbst steered Kaweah Health through the pandemic and subsequent financial challenges experienced by hospitals statewide. Under his watch, Kaweah Health was awarded a $20.8 million loan through the state’s Distressed Hospital Loan Program in 2024.

Herbst has been an outspoken advocate for all hospitals that found themselves struggling as they entered the post-pandemic era. He worked closely with state Sen. Shannon Grove and then-Assemblymember Vince Fong as they and other elected officials developed the Distressed Hospital Loan Program.

“With the passing of the Distressed Hospital Loan Program, we saw a positive signal that the State had recognized the seriousness of the plight community and rural hospitals face across California. This program is a step in the right direction, and it is a sign that lawmakers are listening, but we need to continue working with our legislators to bring long-term support in the form of higher Medi-Cal reimbursement rates,” said Herbst in 2024.

Under Herbst’s leadership, Kaweah Health has transformed from a small community hospital into an award-winning regional medical and trauma center, setting new standards for patient care and community service in the Central Valley, according to a news release.

“Deciding when to retire is never easy,” Herbst said. “My late father-in-law once told me that you simply know when the time is right — not because of calculations or milestones, but by instinct. I now understand what he meant, and while this is a difficult decision both personally and professionally, I know it is the right time for me and for Kaweah Health.”

The board will launch a comprehensive nationwide search for the next CEO beginning as early as July. The thorough selection process will include both internal and external candidates and will provide opportunities for community engagement and input throughout the process, according to the release.

 Herbst will remain in his leadership role until a successor is selected.

“I am deeply grateful for the privilege of working alongside such talented and dedicated colleagues,” Herbst said. “Together, we have accomplished remarkable things for our patients and our community. These accomplishments are a testament to the dedication and teamwork of everyone at Kaweah Health.”