Palm Springs, Calif.-based Desert Healthcare District and Foundation interim CEO and Chief Administration Officer Chris Christensen was appointed permanent CEO, effective June 1, by the district during a May 28 board meeting, according to a May 29 news release.
Mr. Christensen was named interim CEO in September after the district's CEO, Conrado Bárzaga, MD, left his role Sept. 25.
Dr. Bárzaga filed a wrongful termination claim March 25, suggesting that he was terminated by the district board "without cause and in violation of his contract and California law."
Mr. Christensen has been with the district since 2014, where he started out as a controller. Prior to his new role, Mr. Christensen also served as the district's CFO for five years and has been district interim CEO three times.
Editor's note: This story was updated May 29 at 12:40 p.m. CT.