Adventist Health names hospital executive to lead the new partnership

Adventist Health today named Judy Leach as the new hospital administrator for Mendocino Coast District Hospital (MCDH), soon to be known as Adventist Health Mendocino Coast. Leach will focus on merging the organization’s operations into a greater network of care within Mendocino County and Adventist Health to provide sustainable growth and a thriving culture of excellence. 

Leach has more than 30 years of experience in healthcare, including nearly 15 years with Adventist Health. She most recently served as communications executive for the organization’s 22 hospitals and hundreds of clinics. Prior to that role, Leach led strategy execution for Adventist Health’s urban and rural hospitals and clinics in Oregon, Washington and Hawaii while serving as vice president for strategic planning and communications.

“We are excited about the future in Mendocino County and we know that Judy’s leadership on the Mendocino Coast will propel sustainability for this critical healthcare community resource,” says Andrew Jahn, President of Adventist Health Care Division. “We look forward to the community partnership with the district to provide exceptional primary, specialty and hospital care for residents along 75 miles of the California coast.”

“Judy has invaluable experience working at the community and system level and is the perfect fit to lead the hospital’s transition into the Adventist Health family,” says Jason Wells, president for Adventist Health in Mendocino County. “Her leadership will ensure that the community experiences the benefits of this vibrant partnership while creating pathways for collaboration, innovation and transformation. Judy’s passion for authentically connecting with patients, caregivers and community stakeholders, paired with her strong strategic leadership, will greatly benefit the health of our coastal communities as well as all of our hospitals and clinics in Mendocino County.”

“I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity to lead this transition and thrilled to welcome Mendocino Coast District Hospital as part of our Adventist Health family,” said Judy Leach, newly named hospital executive. “It will be an honor to work collaboratively with astute physicians, dedicated associates, visionary board members and an engaged community to inspire health, wholeness and hope throughout our coastal communities.”

The Adventist Health affiliation with MCDH was overwhelmingly approved during the March 2020 county election and begins on May 1 with a management services agreement which will soon transition into a long-term lease in operating the hospital.

Leach is excited to be part of a region that offers a deep sense of community, a culture that fosters vibrant living and a welcoming sense of hospitality. Her love of the abundant serenity of the redwoods and rugged coastline landscapes has certainly added to her delight.  “There’s something about the ocean that puts things into perspective and gives you a sense of limitless possibilities,” she explains. 

“I was immediately captivated by the spirit of what I sensed in the community during multiple visits. Everyone I met was so passionate about MCDH and the incredible resource it provides to the community. There is a desire to have access to quality care close to home, which explains the resounding results of the recent elections. Hearing their tenacity for excellence ignited my passion to being part of something so important to them.  And to be able to do it in such a beautiful setting just makes it even more special. I look forward to partnering with the community so together we can create the vision for a thriving hospital that will serve this community for generations to come,” she adds.

Leach, an avid lifelong learner, holds a master’s degree in Management and Organizational Leadership from Warner Pacific University. She and her young adult children look forward to calling the Mendocino coast home very soon.