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President & Chief Executive Officer

Req Number: TL2ZFQ
Location: California
Posted: 2/24/2026
Category: Life Sciences/Healthcare : Hospital/Health Systems
Job Type: Permanent

President and Chief Executive Officer

San Ysidro Health
Location: San Diego, California

San Ysidro Health (SYH) is a nationally recognized, mission‑driven Federally Qualified Health Center serving diverse communities across San Diego County. Founded more than 55 years ago, the organization has grown from a small border clinic into one of the country’s largest and most comprehensive safety‑net health systems—with more than $730M in annual revenue, over 3,000 employees, and a countywide network of nearly 50 clinics and program sites. SYH provides integrated, whole‑person care spanning primary care, dental, behavioral health, specialty medicine, pharmacy, social services, and one of California’s largest PACE programs.

SYH is seeking a visible, authentic, mission‑anchored President & Chief Executive Officer to lead the organization into its next chapter of impact. Reporting to the Board, the CEO will guide a complex, rapidly evolving enterprise while preserving the culture of compassion, trust, and community connection that defines San Ysidro Health.

Key Responsibilities
• Lead a large, multi‑service, community‑anchored health system grounded in access, equity, and whole‑person care.
• Strengthen enterprise performance across quality, operations, finance, workforce, and patient experience.
• Serve as a trusted partner to the Board—ensuring transparency, sound governance, and clear communication through complexity.
• Oversee diversified programs, including FQHC primary care, PACE, behavioral health, pharmacy, and specialty services.
• Guide organization through enhanced standardization, productivity, data sophistication, and clinical integration.
• Champion community engagement and external advocacy—representing SYH with policymakers, funders, civic partners, and the communities served.
• Build trust, presence, and alignment across clinics and regions through visibility, listening, and relationship‑driven leadership.

Ideal Candidate
• 10+ years of senior executive leadership in complex, highly regulated healthcare environments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through regulatory volatility, public funding dependence, and multi‑line healthcare operations.
• Deep understanding of diversified reimbursement models—including cost‑based FQHC financing, managed care, value‑based care, and PACE.
• Proven strength in financial and operational management, with the ability to balance mission and sustainability.
• A culturally humble, community‑centered leader who builds trust across clinicians, staff, elected officials, and underserved populations.
• Experience guiding organizational scaling, modernization, and performance improvement while preserving culture.
• Master’s degree in healthcare administration, business, public health, or related field preferred


The Opportunity
This is a rare opportunity to lead one of the country’s most trusted community health organizations—an enterprise deeply rooted in culture, service, and equity. The next CEO will build upon SYH’s remarkable legacy of service, stability, and community trust, ensuring the organization continues to advance its mission of improving the health and well‑being of all who depend on it.



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Korn Ferry shall provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified candidates, and will refer candidates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected basis. Artificial Intelligence tools may be used in connection with the recruitment process for this position.

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