Fremont, Calif. (July 17, 2026) – Washington Health, a regional leader in innovative community health care in the San Francisco Bay Area, today announced that CEO Kimberly Hartz has been named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s 2026 “Women Hospital and Health System Presidents and CEOs to Know” list, which recognizes women leading some of the nation’s most complex health care organizations while driving growth, expanding access to care and fostering workplace cultures where caregivers and patients thrive.
Since her appointment as CEO in 2019, Hartz has led the organization through a period of innovation, strategic growth and clinical excellence, reinforcing its commitment to delivering high-quality, compassionate care to the Tri-City communities and beyond.
During the past year, Washington Health has earned numerous national recognitions, while expanding specialty services including:
- A fourth consecutive Magnet® Recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, placing the organization among fewer than 2% of hospitals nationwide to achieve the distinction four consecutive times.
- An “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group.
- Multiple Healthgrades recognitions for patient safety and outpatient orthopedic care.
- Continued expansion of specialized services, including advanced robotic-assisted procedures, comprehensive cancer care and neurosciences.
“While I am honored by this recognition, it truly reflects the extraordinary physicians, nurses, employees, volunteers and leaders of Washington Health whose dedication makes our organization exceptional every day,” Hartz said. “Together, we are united by a shared commitment to delivering outstanding care close to home while continually investing in new technologies, expanding access to specialty services and creating the best possible experience for every patient and family we serve.
Throughout her tenure, Hartz has emphasized a culture centered on quality, safety, collaboration and continuous improvement – values reflected in the organization’s recent achievements and national recognitions.
“Everything we accomplish begins with our mission to improve the health of the diverse communities we serve,” Hartz said. “I am proud to work alongside such a dedicated team whose compassion, expertise and commitment are the driving force behind every milestone we achieve.”
Becker’s Hospital Review added that the women recognized on this year’s list bring fresh perspectives to the industry’s most pressing challenges, demonstrate a strong commitment to health equity, and lead with a focus on people.
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About Washington Health
Washington Health is an independent, community-based health system governed by the publicly elected Washington Township Health Care District Board. Opened in 1958, Washington Health has grown to include a 415-bed, acute care hospital that includes the Morris Hyman Critical Care Pavilion that also houses emergency services and a level II trauma center; the Bell Neuroscience Institute of Silicon Valley; the Institute for Joint Restoration and Research; Peninsula Surgery Center; Washington Outpatient Surgery Center; Washington Outpatient Rehabilitation Center; Washington Health Medical Group; Washington Health Urgent Care, and Washington West that houses the UCSF-Washington Cancer Center, Washington Women’s Center, Outpatient Imaging Center, and additional outpatient hospital services and administrative facilities. Through the Washington Health Foundation, generous donor and community support helps advance innovation, expand access to care, and strengthen vital programs. The health system continues to receive top-tier awards and distinctions for many programs and services, while advancing the level of medical care and treatment in Southern Alameda County. Discover more at washingtonhealth.com, and through Facebook, X (Twitter), LinkedIn and Instagram.
About Becker's Healthcare
Becker's Healthcare is the go-to source for healthcare decision-makers and one of the fastest growing media platforms in the industry. Through print, digital and live event platforms, Becker's Healthcare equips healthcare leaders with information and forums they need to learn, exchange ideas and further conversations about the most critical issues in American healthcare today.