Salinas Valley Health board begins search to replace CEO Pete Delgado.

Four days after Salinas Valley Health President and CEO Pete Delgado announced he's getting ready to step down, the SVH Board of Directors voted to immediately beginning a search for Delgado's replacement that will include a search committee made up of board members, hospital and medical staff and the community.

They announced their decision to SVH staff in a letter on Friday, Oct. 13. They also said that Delgado's resignation will be effective as of June 30, 2024, with Delgado continuing to serve in his position until they find a replacement.

In addition to the search committee the board will hire an executive search firm with a background in health care leadership recruitment, they said.

"We value the input of our staff and will create opportunities for you to provide input and feedback during the process," the letter to staff said. They will hold open forums for employees in the coming months. 

"We understand that change can bring about uncertainties, but we are committed to ensuring a seamless transition as we continue to deliver outstanding care at Salinas Valley Health," the letter reads.

Victor Rey, president of the board of directors, shared in a statement released the day after Delgado's announcement that SVH "has greatly benefited from the 10 years of leadership and dedicated service" that Delgado provided to SVH staff, patients and the community.

"When Pete arrived in 2013, he made it a priority to address underserved populations in Monterey County and expand access to quality primary and specialty care service for all individuals. He’s taken an innovative approach to a number of health care issues while elevating employee engagement and exceptional patient care," Rey said. "We owe Pete a debt of gratitude and his will be hard shoes to fill."

A handful of the accomplishments that were attained under Delgado's leadership include: a mobile clinic launched in January 2020 that's seen more than 13,000 patient visits, providing free care to underserved communities; built a rural health clinic in Gonzales with support from Taylor Farms; grown a clinic network that provides access to care without regards to insurance coverage; achieving a "Magnet" designation for nursing excellence; SVH's spearheading of helping Monterey County achieve Blue Zones status.

Delgado has been recognized with an award for his part in the Monterey County Diabetes Collaborative, as well as being named the 2021 Top Diversity Leader by Modern Healthcare and 2020 Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year.