Desert Care Network announced Monday that JFK Memorial Hospital CEO Gary Honts will retire after leading the Indio hospital for 10 years.
Karen Faulis, CEO of Hi-Desert Medical Center in Joshua Tree, will expand her role to also be CEO of JFK Memorial, effective Monday.
Here's what you need to know about the transition.
From nurse to CEO
Faulis began her career as a nurse and held various roles in clinical leadership before moving on to hospitaladministration. Prior to her time at Hi-Desert Medical Center, she was chief operating officer and interim CEO for Palmdale Regional Medical Center/Lancaster Community Hospital.
She has been CEO of Hi-Desert Medical Center since 2016. Under her leadership, the health care facility has been designated as a level IV trauma center and an acute stroke-ready hospital, according to a press release.
"I'm looking forward to building on the foundation that Desert Care Network has built at our hospitals inIndio and Joshua Tree," Faulis said in a statement. "I'm proud of the expertise and technologies we have been able to bring to serve the healthcare needs of these unique communities. I am excited to continue to advance healthcareservices for our communities."
CEO of Desert Care Network Michele Finney said in a statement: "We are so fortunate to have Karen take on the role of CEO at JFK. She is a top-notch CEO. She has built up a wealth of knowledge about the Coachella Valley and Morongo Basin healthcare market that will allow us to continue the progress for our patients at both hospitals."
Honts' tenure
JFK Memorial achieved a number of accomplishments during the outgoing CEO's decade-long tenure.
Among them, the Indio hospital was certified as a primary stroke center, designated as Riverside County's first level IV trauma center and expanded surgical capabilities, according to a press release.
"I'm extremely proud of the work our team has been able to accomplish at JFK," Honts said in a statement. "Minutes matter when it comes to successfully treating a stroke or a trauma. The advancements we have made are enhancingaccess to high quality care, closer to home for the people in our community."
Finney said Honts' leadership experience and dedication to staff members and patients "has really made a positive impact" in the community.
During the leadership transition, Honts will continue to work with the hospital in a consulting role through May 1. He and his wife, Cheryl, plan to remain in the Coachella Valley.
Other changes
As Faulis takes on the top role at both hospitals, Chief Nursing Officer Heather Corte-Real has also been promoted to chief operating officer/chief nursing officer at JFK.
A search for an assistant chief nursing officer at Hi-Desert Medical Center has begun.
About JFK Memorial
The hospital is located at 47-111 Monroe St. in Indio.
JFK Memorial offers a variety of health care offerings, such as 24/7 emergency care, orthopedic and joint replacement, cardiovascular, maternity, pediatric and imaging services and an ambulatory surgery center, according to its website.
Ema Sasic covers entertainment and health in the Coachella Valley. Reach her at ema.sasic@desertsun.com or on Twitter @ema_sasic.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: JFK Memorial Hospital CEO Gary Honts retires; Karen Faulis succeeds
