Valleywise Health CEO Retires Amid Board, Executive Shakeup | The Locally Times
CEO Steve Purves will retire after 12 years as the health system appoints a new CAO, Foundation CEO, and four new board members since late 2024.
Valleywise Health is navigating a leadership transition involving its CEO, top executives, and board of directors, following a series of announcements over the past year. The announcement did not specify a reason for his retirement. Public records do not yet name a successor for Purves or outline a timeline for the selection process. Other leadership changes followed the retirement announcement. On January 22, 2026, Valleywise Health announced the promotion of Warren Whitney to Chief Administrative Officer. The newsroom also announced Lisa Hartsock’s appointment as CEO of the Valleywise Health Foundation, the system’s philanthropic arm. Records do not provide a specific date for Hartsock’s appointment or detail the prior roles or qualifications for either Whitney or Hartsock. ## Board of Directors Sees Turnover Changes also extended to the health system’s governing body. Public announcements from Valleywise Health do not name the three other individuals, detail their professional backgrounds, or describe the board’s selection process. ## Unclear Context for Transition The series of leadership changes, occurring between December 2024 and January 2026, reshapes the top tier of Valleywise Health. The departure of a 12-year CEO, coupled with the arrival of four new board members and two new C-suite executives, creates the potential for shifts in organizational strategy. However, public announcements do not connect the timing of these appointments or outline the strategic priorities of the new leadership, leaving the full context of the transition unclear.