Press release from Providence:

Harris | Image via Providence

Providence in Humboldt County is pleased to announce that Darian Harris has been appointed the new chief executive for Providence St. Joseph Hospital and Providence Redwood Memorial Hospital. He will be responsible for the operational effectiveness and performance at both hospitals.

Harris joined Providence in early 2021 and served as the chief executive for Healdsburg and Petaluma Valley hospitals in Sonoma County. While serving there, “he and his leadership team built a collaborative and engaged culture, reduced employee turnover, and delivered strong quality performance, all during the height of the pandemic,” according to Laureen Driscoll, region chief executive, Providence Northern California.

“I’m thrilled and honored to have the opportunity to serve the amazing people of Humboldt County,” said Harris. “In my first few weeks, I have been incredibly inspired by the love that our caregivers and physicians have for our community and the deep passion they have for ensuring all within our community have access to exceptional care. My family and I are truly grateful for the very warm welcome we’ve received here in Humboldt.”

Before joining Providence, Harris held a variety of operational and strategic health care roles at Kaiser Permanente and at Massachusetts General Hospital. He holds a master’s degree in health administration from the University of Washington and a bachelor’s degree in health services management from East Carolina University, where he has also been an adjunct professor, focusing on health care operations management and patient flow.

Additionally, while in Sonoma County, Harris was recognized by the North Bay Business Journal in their “Forty under 40” recognition series as a leader who has demonstrated unique leadership skills early in his career. He credits his career performance thus far to “having the tremendous value of perspective and humility; knowing there are great learnings to be gained from those who proceeded me. I also have a strong appreciation for the opportunities to be realized through innovation, the pursuit of continuous improvement, and passion and energy of our caregivers.”