Kelli Davis, NIHD reach CEO agreement

Northern Inyo Healthcare District’s Board of Directors made it official Wednesday evening, naming Kelli Davis as permanent Chief Executive Officer, effective October 24.

Davis served as interim CEO since February 2020 and as Chief Operating Officer since 2016. Davis’s unwavering commitment and responsive leadership during a turbulent healthcare time earned her deserving praise both from within and outside the District. After a competitive search process, the Board chose to act upon the recommendation of its search committee and offer Davis the position.

Board Chair Robert Sharp noted since announcing the Board’s intentions to recruit Davis as CEO; he encountered a steady stream of positive comments from both past and present employees, as well as community members.

“So many have complimented the Board on this decision,” Sharp said Thursday afternoon. “I have not had one negative comment on Kelli’s selection. She truly has been interviewing for the job for the last 18 months, not just with the Board but also with our employees, providers, partners, and community. Kelli has proven herself repeatedly as a more than capable leader who cares about the District’s financial stability, the quality of its services, and our commitment to our patients and employees. Her passion is to help maintain quality healthcare access for generations of Owens Valley residents to come. I do not think we could have made a better choice.”

As Davis’ contract went to the Board for ratification, different areas of the District voiced support for the choice. Comments came from physicians, District directors, and those who engage with Davis as role model and mentor. Overcome by the warmth shown to her, Davis said she is grateful for the comments presented to the Board.

“I would be deeply remiss if I did not recognize the Executive Team, the District’s leaders, and of course, the frontline staff and providers,” Davis said. “I feel quite humbled. I feel like we as a team have taken the last year and a half and handled it with complete grace and a lot of humility. It is a small recognition of the huge amount of support the Board gives to this District and the dedication the Board shows to the our community. In the end, it all comes down to how we can best serve the people of our Healthcare District. I am grateful for this opportunity. It is a great blessing to me and one which I take with great pride and honor.”

A longtime Bishop resident, Davis has been with NIHD for more than 10 years. Davis represents the fourth generation of her family to call the Owens Valley home. She holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis on Healthcare Management. She also has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a Healthcare Management and Human Resources focus and certifications in Healthcare Compliance, Privacy and Security Compliance, and Healthcare Ethics.

She currently serves on the boards of Eastern Sierra Area Agency on Aging and Pioneer Home Health Care.