Dignity Health - Mercy Hospitals Bakersfield Announces Benjamin (BJ) Predum as New President & CEO

BAKERSFIELD, CA (May 19, 2022) - After concluding a nationwide search, Dignity Health announced Benjamin (BJ) Predum as the new incoming Hospital President and CEO of Mercy Hospital Downtown and Mercy Hospital Southwest effective July 11, 2022. BJ will be relocating with his family to Central California after spending more than a decade as a leading health care executive with Ascension Health in Michigan.

“I am excited for what the future has in store for Mercy Hospitals Bakersfield,” shared BJ Predum, Hospital President. “I feel privileged to join such an incredible team of health care professionals and look forward to sharing our gifts and talents in the service of our patients, their families, and the growing community of Bakersfield."

In his most recent role as Regional VP and Chief Operating Officer for Ascension Michigan West Region, BJ provided operational oversight for a large regional hospital, multiple critical access hospitals, as well as oncology and ambulatory centers. BJ is a mission-centric leader, focused on engaging providers and collaboratively improving clinical and administrative processes across the continuum of care. He has successfully spearheaded numerous construction projects, and implemented strategies to achieve financial performance and quality metrics.

“Bakersfield is a rapidly growing community, and I am confident BJ will be an exceptional addition to the team of dedicated caregivers and physicians.  Mercy Hospitals Bakersfield will continue to meet the expanding needs of the community with the addition of the new four-story tower and emergency care expansion including specialized services - oncology, critical care, cardiology and neurosurgery,” noted Julie Sprengel, President and CEO, Dignity Health Southern California Division. “BJ’s leadership will be instrumental in guiding the team forward and successfully navigating the positive changes in the future.”

BJ is no stranger to Southern California, as a former United States Navy Corpsman, he attended Marine Corps Field Medical Service School at Camp Pendleton and served at the Naval Medical Center and Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego. He holds a Master in Business Administration (MBA) and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management, both from Cornerstone University. BJ is also a Fellow American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE).

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About Dignity Health Mercy Hospital Bakersfield

Founded by the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy Hospital has a history of caring for our community that goes back more than 100 years. We provide a broad range of medical and surgical services including minimally invasive and outpatient options. Our family of services includes the area's only inpatient oncology unit, the Orthopedic, Spine, and Hand Center, The S.A. Camp Companies Robotic Surgery Center, Family Birth Center and Lactation Support Center, and many others. Mercy Hospital Downtown is a 144-bed facility located in downtown Bakersfield. Mercy Hospital Southwest is a 78-bed facility and the only hospital located in the rapidly growing area west of Highway 99. A member of CommonSpirit Health, Dignity Health Mercy Hospital is a trusted community partner, serving residents of Bakersfield and Kern County with quality, compassionate care since 1910.  Learn more at dignityhealth.org/mercybakersfield.