After 34 years with the hospital, Kaweah Health CEO Gary Herbst says he will retire in June 2026.

Retirement for the 66-year-old comes after the hospital’s board of directors unanimously extended his tenure one more year from his original June 2025 retirement date, according to a news release. The hospital will conduct a nationwide search for Herbst’s replacement. He will remain in leadership while they find a replacement, the release stated.

“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.”

Herbst Oversaw Hospital’s Growth Into a Regional Medical Center

Under Herbst’s watch, the hospital grew from a small community hospital into a regional medical and trauma center. As the hospital grew, it purchased or partnered with clinics throughout Tulare and Kings County.

In 2021, it rebranded from Kaweah Delta Medical Center into Kaweah Health.

“Through Gary’s leadership, we have continued to meet the evolving needs of our growing community,” said Mike Olmos, president of the Kaweah Health Board of Directors. “Many challenges have come our way, and Gary’s thoughtful insights and strategic focus inspired trust among team members and the community alike. We thank Gary for his many years of service to our mission and his unwavering commitment to our healthcare district.”

Herbst oversaw the hospital as COVID-19 shutdowns nearly bankrupted it. Herbst previously told GV Wire how shutting down surgical services reduced incomes while staffing costs grew.

A $20 million loan from California helped the hospital stay afloat.

Kaweah Health Was Herbst’s First Client

Herbst officially joined Kaweah in 1992 as director of business development, but his work with the hospital actually began in 1983. As a certified public accountant, the hospital was his first client. In 1995, Herbst became chief financial officer and in 2017, he became CEO.