RENTON, Wash., July 17, 2024 – The Providence St. Joseph Health Board of Directors today announced that Providence Chief Operating Officer Erik Wexler has been named the health system’s next president and chief executive officer. Effective Jan. 1, 2025, Wexler will succeed Rod Hochman, M.D., who recently announced his retirement after 45 years in health care, including 17 with the Providence family of organizations. The timely selection of a new CEO speaks to Providence’s commitment to continuous review and development of internal talent and succession planning, ensuring continuity and an orderly transition of leadership.  

“With his unwavering commitment to the Mission and more than 30 years of experience in health care, Erik is the right person to inspire and empower Providence caregivers, medical staff and community partners to continue to build on our vision of Health for a Better World,” said Providence Board Chair Michael Murphy. “Erik will be surrounded by one of the strongest senior leadership teams in health care, and we are excited to build on our momentum as we transform and expand access to care, especially for those who are poor and vulnerable.”  

As COO, Wexler has been responsible for operational oversight and strategy for Providence, working to ensure access to a portfolio of vital, high-quality and affordable services while also driving many of the organization’s transformation strategies. Erik has:  

Led the successful integration of Providence St. Joseph Health in California through a unified executive team, resulting in a common brand and laying the foundation for a clinically integrated network and expansion of value-based care. Value-based care now represents 35% of total net operating revenue in the region, doubling covered lives to over 800,000. 

Completed an innovative joint venture with Cedars-Sinai Health System to rebuild Tarzana Medical Center, now co-branded as Providence Cedars-Sinai and resulted in co-investment by Cedars-Sinai for the new hospital tower and campus infrastructure. Rather than competing, the two health systems now collaborate on clinical excellence, program development, and ambulatory care within the community. 

Drove forward social issues aligned with our values, including forming the first Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council in California; helping implement Providence’s $50 million commitment to health equity efforts; championing legislation to address workplace violence and caregiver burnout; reducing climate impacts and more.  

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