We are pleased to announce the appointment of Erik G. Wexler as CEO of Providence St. Joseph Health, Southern California—the recently-formed organization which unites all of our Southern California networks in Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino counties.

Erik came to Providence Health & Services in May 2016 as regional chief executive, and worked closely with Providence leadership as it joined with St. Joseph Health two months later to form a new organization, the Catholic not-for-profit Providence St. Joseph Health.

With 14 hospitals, nearly 5,200 physicians, and over 28,000 employees, Providence St. Joseph Health, Southern California will be able to offer a broader, more integrated range of services to the communities we serve. Everything from pre-natal care to end-of-life care, with specialties in cardiology, neurology, oncology, orthopedics, neonatal intensive care, women’s services, pediatrics, emergency, and trauma care will be delivered with our signature commitment to comprehensive quality and compassionate, patient-centered care.

Formerly the chief executive for Tenet Healthcare’s Northeast Region, Erik has invaluable experience serving large, diverse, dynamic communities and leading healthcare organizations into the future. He has a reputation for building strong relationships with caregivers, communities, and other key stakeholders. He also worked for Vanguard Health Systems, and prior to that was senior vice president of LifeBridge Health System.

Seeking to further nonprofit, mission-driven healthcare in the Southland, Erik ‘s goals include advancing the use of technology and population health methodologies within Providence St. Joseph Health to continuously improve access to quality, affordable care. Erik said he was drawn to Providence primarily because of its mission focus.

Erik succeeds Dr. Richard Afable, president and chief executive officer of St. Joseph Hoag Health. After working on a transition plan with Erik, Dr. Afable will retire in December to chair the California Hospital Association. He is also assembling a coalition of public and private groups to address mental health issues in Orange County.

Erik and his wife lead a very active life. They enjoy RV explorations with their dogs, their bikes, and their outdoors adventure gear. He carries that same energy and constant activity into his daily work. Erik earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology and master’s in business administration from the University of Hartford in Connecticut.