Leadership Change at JFK Memorial Hospital

Gary Hontz, CEO of JFK Memorial Hospital, retires.Karen Fowlis Named CEO of JFK Memorial Hospital

Gary Hontz

INDIO – Gary Honts, CEO of JFK Memorial Hospital, has announced that he will retire after ten years at JFK Memorial Hospital. Hi-Desert Medical Center CEO Karen Faulis expands her role to take over as CEO of JFK Memorial Hospital, effective January 30.

“During his ten years at JFK Memorial Hospital, Gary has done much to advance the healthcare services JFK provides to the community,” said Michele Finney, CEO of Desert Care Network, in a prepared statement. said. “His deep experience in healthcare leadership and his dedication to our staff, physicians, patients and community has truly made a positive impact.”
During his tenure, JFK Memorial Hospital was certified as a primary stroke center and designated as the first Level IV trauma center in Riverside County, expanding its surgical capabilities to include robotic technology.

“We are extremely proud of what our team has achieved at JFK,” said Honts in a statement. “Every minute counts in the successful treatment of stroke and trauma. The progress we have made is enhancing access to quality care closer to home for people in our community.” .”

Honts will continue in a consulting role through May 1st to support a seamless transition. He and his wife, Cheryl, plan to remain in the Coachella Valley.

“We’ve made so many friends in the Valley, and if you’re an avid golfer, you can’t imagine a better place,” said Honts.

Karen Foris

Karen Faulis has been CEO of Hi-Desert Medical Center since 2016, leading the hospital to a Level IV Trauma Center and Acute Stroke Hospital.

Finney, CEO of Desert Care Network, said: “She is a top-notch CEO. She has accumulated her extensive knowledge of the healthcare market at Coachella, her Valley and her Basin, which will allow her to continue her progress for patients at both hospitals. .”

Faulis began her career as a nurse and held various roles as a clinical mentor before moving into hospital administration. Prior to joining Hi-Desert Medical Center, she served as Chief Operating Officer and Interim CEO of Palmdale Regional Medical Center/Lancaster Community Hospital.

“We look forward to the Desert Care Network building on the foundation we have built at our hospitals in Indio and Joshua Tree,” said Fauris. “I am proud of the expertise and technology we have been able to bring to meet the medical needs of these unique communities. I am excited about.”

To support Faulis’ two CEO roles, Desert Care Network has promoted Chief Nursing Officer Heather Corte-Real to the role of Chief Operating Officer/Chief Nursing Officer at JFK. The search for an Assistant Chief Nursing Officer at Hi-Desert Medical Center has begun.