Palomar Health Executive and Leadership Team

Hugh King, the Chief Financial Officer at Palomar Health, directs all fiscal planning and capital allocation strategies. Overseeing the financial health of the entire hospital system, the Chief Financial Officer ensures long-term sustainability through rigorous budget management and revenue cycle optimization. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to align investment priorities with clinical expansion goals. By monitoring regional economic trends, Hugh King maintains the fiscal stability required for high-quality patient care. King manages complex audit processes and financial reporting, providing transparency to stakeholders. Through the implementation of advanced cost-control measures, the Chief Financial Officer secures the resources necessary for facility upgrades and technological advancements. Ultimately, King drives the financial performance that supports the broader mission of delivering accessible healthcare services throughout the North County region.

Russell Riehl, the Chief Administrative Officer & Group President, Palomar Health & , Palomar Health Medical at Palomar Health, directs the strategic integration of medical group services. Overseeing the expansion of outpatient care and physician networks, the Chief Administrative Officer & Group President, Palomar Health & , Palomar Health Medical ensures consistent service quality across all medical practice locations. This leadership role involves managing the growth of specialized clinical programs and enhancing the patient experience within the medical group. By coordinating with executive leadership, Russell Riehl aligns medical group operations with the overarching mission of the health system. Riehl manages the performance metrics of various clinical units, driving improvements in care delivery and patient satisfaction. Through the development of collaborative care models, the Chief Administrative Officer & Group President, Palomar Health & , Palomar Health Medical strengthens the regional presence of the organization.

Pam Sime, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Palomar Health, directs talent acquisition and organizational development initiatives. Overseeing the workforce strategy for the entire health system, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures the recruitment and retention of top-tier medical professionals. This leadership role involves designing comprehensive benefits programs and fostering a culture of clinical excellence. By implementing robust training protocols, Pam Sime enhances staff engagement and operational efficiency across all facilities. Sime manages labor relations and internal communications, maintaining alignment with the core values of the organization. Through the development of strategic workforce planning, the Chief Human Resources Officer supports the scaling of medical services to meet regional demand. Ultimately, Sime cultivates a high-performance environment that empowers clinical teams to provide superior patient care throughout the North County service area.

Kevin DeBruin, the Chief Legal Officer at Palomar Health, directs all regulatory compliance and risk management frameworks. Overseeing the legal integrity of the hospital system, the Chief Legal Officer ensures adherence to complex healthcare statutes and governance standards. This leadership role involves managing litigation, contract negotiations, and corporate policy development to protect the interests of the organization. By providing counsel on medical-legal issues, Kevin DeBruin mitigates operational risks and supports the safe delivery of patient services. DeBruin coordinates with executive leadership to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape of the California healthcare market. Through the oversight of internal compliance programs, the Chief Legal Officer maintains the highest ethical standards across all clinical and administrative departments. Ultimately, DeBruin secures the legal foundation necessary for the continued growth and stability of the entire health system.

Gerald Bracht, the Chief Administrative Officer at Palomar Health, directs internal operations and facility management protocols. Overseeing the daily administrative functions of the hospital system, the Chief Administrative Officer ensures seamless coordination between clinical departments and support services. This leadership role involves optimizing hospital workflows and improving patient throughput to enhance overall service delivery. By streamlining operational processes, Gerald Bracht increases efficiency and reduces overhead costs across the North County facilities. Bracht manages cross-functional teams to implement strategic initiatives that align with the broader organizational goals. Through the oversight of infrastructure projects and supply chain logistics, the Chief Administrative Officer maintains the operational readiness required for high-volume medical environments. Ultimately, Bracht drives the administrative excellence that allows clinical staff to focus exclusively on patient outcomes and medical care.