Natividad CEO Gray announces retirement
After two decades at Natividad, including six years at the helm of the county-owned hospital, CEO Dr. Gary Gray is retiring in June.
Gray, who was appointed the hospital’s CEO in 2015, announced his plans to retire in an all-staff “virtual” meeting Thursday. The 58-year-old told The Herald he is “ready to focus on personal and spending more time with my family,” adding that the hospital “is in a good place, so the time is right for a change.”
He joined the public safety net hospital in 2001 as it was in the throes of financial turmoil just three years after opening a new $118 million, 172-bed facility, served in a leadership role during a successful financial turnaround a few years later, oversaw the hospital’s transition to Level II trauma center status, and leaves as the hospital appears to be emerging from the worst of a historic pandemic.
Gray served as a hospital administrator at Natividad for 11 years in all, including as Chief Medical Officer and director of the Family Medicine Residency Program, as well as working for nearly a decade in clinical and other roles. He took over as the hospital’s top administrator in the wake of the sudden departure of former CEO Harry Weis, who was credited with much of the hospital’s financial turnaround engineered by the consultant firm he worked for in concert with Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula and Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital.
“I’ve truly enjoyed my 20 years and the multiple roles at Natividad,” Gray said. “The COVID-19 pandemic will lead to sweeping changes in health care delivery. The post-pandemic period will present many opportunities to shape a new future for health care. Natividad has a historic opportunity to ensure health for all, promote integrated care, and leverage technology to improve health care portability and quality. It was a difficult and personal decision to step aside, though now is an ideal time for new leadership and new ideas.
“My exceptional colleagues make our hospital a special place. I am grateful for what we accom
plished and the friendships forged, and we will continue to cheer for Natividad from the sidelines.”
Gray said he plans to spend the remaining few months of his time at Natividad finishing up projects and working with the hospital board of trustees and Board of Supervisors on a transition plan.
Hospital and county officials praised Gray’s leadership, which saw the county hospital continue its financial success during his tenure.
“Natividad has benefited from Dr. Gray’s expertise as both a doctor and a leader,” hospital board chairwoman Marcia Atkinson said. “The Natividad board and our many partners and staff have enjoyed working with him and are grateful for his enormous contributions to the hospital.”
“Dr. Gray’s vision and leadership in service to the health of all Monterey County residents have been nothing short of extraordinary,” county board chairwoman Wendy Root Askew said. “His calm focus has elevated the reputation of Natividad as he navigated complex health care challenges, including the unprecedented pandemic this past year. We wish Dr. Gray the very best as he enjoys a well-earned retirement.”