San Joaquin County and Dignity Health Announce New CEO of San Joaquin General Hospital

San Joaquin County and Dignity Health are excited to announce the selection of Richard Castro as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of San Joaquin General Hospital (SJGH).

Approved by the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors on June 7th by a 4-0 vote, the appointment of Mr. Castro is the first step forward in implementing a Management Services Agreement (MSA) in which Dignity Health will provide assistance in the management of day-to-day administration of the County's only designated public hospital and help conduct its operations.

Richard Castro brings more than 30 years of experience in hospital operations and leadership and a deep commitment to SJGH's mission of serving vulnerable populations while maintaining and enhancing access to care and improving the health of the communities they serve.

Richard comes to SJGH from Whittier Hospital Medical Center (AHMC), where he served as CEO for nearly 10 years. During his tenure with Whittier Hospital Medical Center, he dramatically improved the quality of patient care and financial performance, including improving Leapfrog health scores from an F to an A and providing double-digit earnings over the last eight years. He received his MBA from The Paul Merage School of Business, Healthcare Executive, at the University of California, Irvine.

“Mr. Castro is well-suited to help SJGH meet its obligations financially, provide continued quality health care, conduct its operations more efficiently, and expand services for San Joaquin County residents - especially during unprecedented times and changes in the healthcare environment,” stated San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors Chair Chuck Winn.

No stranger to Dignity Health, Richard served as CEO of Arroyo Grande Community Hospital for 10 years and French Hospital Medical Center in San Luis Obispo as Director of Laboratory Services, both part of Dignity Health’s Southern California Division.

“We are thrilled to welcome Richard and his years of expertise to San Joaquin General Hospital,” said Don Wiley, president and CEO of St. Joseph’s Medical Center. “With his knowledge and proven track record, I know he will make a difference by improving the quality of care we are able to provide the San Joaquin County community. “

Richard begins his position as CEO of SJGH on July 11, 2022, taking over for David Culberson who served for over a decade, navigating operations through many changes, including the implementation of new clinical and financial systems, a Level II Trauma Center, and the expansion of a new hospital wing.