CLEARLAKE, Calif. – David Santos, a proven leader with years of healthcare management experience, has been appointed the new vice president of operations at St. Helena Hospital Clearlake, succeeding Jennifer Swenson.

He begins his service Jan. 2.

Santos has an extensive healthcare background, having most recently served as chief operating officer of Adventist Health’s California Medical Group, where he strengthened operations and significantly expanded the group’s size.

Prior to that he played a key role in the advancement of physician services at Adventist Health Hospitals in Hanford, Calif.

Other experience includes service in physician practice management at Mount Sinai Medical Center, Manhattan, and hospital management assignments at Central Texas Medical Center near San Antonio and at the Ormond Beach Florida Hospital.

“We are very fortunate that David has agreed to become our new Vice President of Operations, said St. Helena Hospital President and Chief Executive Officer Terry Newmyer. “He brings the energy, experience and leadership skills we need to continue building on the progress we’ve made expanding and improving services at St. Helena Hospital Clearlake.”

“This is an important time of growth and development for St. Helena Hospital Clearlake, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to help guide the facility as we continue our mission of improving the health of our community,” said Santos.

The hospital’s former vice president of operations, Jennifer Swenson, has departed to become chief executive officer of the 185-bed Fort Hamilton Hospital in Hamilton, Ohio.

St. Helena Hospital Clearlake is a 25-bed acute care Critical Access Hospital serving South Lake County.

St. Helena Hospital Clearlake is part of Adventist Health, a not-for-profit, faith-based health system operating in California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington.

For more information, visit www.adventisthealth.org.