Ron Werft will retire as president and CEO of Santa Barbara, Calif.-based Cottage Health in 2025.
Mr. Werft has served 37 years at Cottage Health, the last 24 at the helm, according to a July 29 health system news release.
During his tenure, the organization saw significant growth, such as expanding outpatient services and clinics, building a new Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, constructing a new Goleta (Calif.) Valley Cottage Hospital, and the expansion of services at Solvang, Calif.-based Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital.
Additionally, the Cottage Center for Population Health and Cottage Health Research Institute were created, and the organization established new partnerships with area colleges to support the healthcare workforce, according to the release.
Cottage Health is the nonprofit parent of Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital and affiliated Cottage Children's Medical Center, Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital, Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital and Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital.