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Pérez stepping down as chief of St. Joseph in Sonoma County

SANTA ROSA, Aug. 11, 2008 – George Pérez, a 29-year hospital administrator who for three years led St. Joseph Health System-Sonoma County through a period of significant growth and change, today announced his resignation, effective Sept. 15.

“It is with gratitude and pride for your hard work and our collective accomplishments that I announce my plans to leave,” Mr. Pérez wrote in a memo today to employees, board members and physicians affiliated with Santa Rosa Memorial and Petaluma Valley hospitals, along with staff at the health system’s other local facilities. “We should expect a future of continued success … in spite of challenges facing health care nationwide,” Mr. Pérez said.

In August 2005, Mr. Pérez succeeded former St. Joseph Health System-Sonoma County CEO David Ameen, after serving as president and CEO at a sister hospital, St. Mary Medical Center in Apple Valley, and as CEO of Walter O. Boswell Memorial Hospital in Sun City, Ariz.

“At St. Mary’s, George was a catalyst for a major operational and financial turnaround,” said Joe Randolph, chief operating officer of St. Joseph Health System, based in Orange, Calif. “He has had many accomplishments and navigated through some difficult challenges in Sonoma County. George’s efforts have positioned Santa Rosa Memorial and Petaluma Valley for a promising future.”

“George brought energy and commitment to his service … and embraced the mission, vision and values of St. Joseph Health System,” said Sister Katherine Gray, general superior of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange, the congregation that opened the health system’s flagship hospital in Eureka in 1920. “He wholeheartedly pursued our system-wide strategic goals: to provide patients with perfect care, to help our communities become the healthiest communities, and to ensure every interaction with those we serve is a sacred encounter.”

The Santa Rosa resident will remain in his position through Sept. 15 to help with the transition to an interim CEO. Mr. Pérez will then serve in a role supporting the transition.