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Adventist Health Ukiah Valley and Howard Memorial name administrators

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David Leighton, MPA, MHCM, CLSSBB, assumed responsibilities on August 7, 2022, as Administrator of Adventist Health Ukiah Valley. In this role, Leighton will lead the day-to-day work of the hospital and clinics and ensure strategies align with and support administrative, financial, and managerial operations.

Leighton most recently served as Interim Operations Executive and Director of Performance Improvement for Adventist Health in Mendocino County and is certified in Lean Six Sigma process improvement work. He has worked in healthcare leadership since 2006.

Prior to his work in healthcare, Leighton spent more than 20 years in durable goods manufacturing focused on agricultural and heavy industrial machinery. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business from William Penn University and a master’s degree in public administration and human capital
management.

"David has built devoted connections to the people of Mendocino County through his leadership over many years,” said Todd Hofheins, Chief Operating Officer of Adventist Health. “His unique operational perspective will make excellent healthcare accessible to all residents living in the surrounding community."

Linda Givens, RN, MSN, assumed responsibilities as Administrator of Adventist Health Howard Memorial on August 8, 2022. In this capacity, Givens will lead the day-to-day operations of the hospital and its clinics. With over 44 years of experience in nursing and nursing leadership, Linda most recently served as Patient Care Executive for Adventist Health’s North Coast Network, which comprises Adventist Health Howard Memorial, Adventist Health Mendocino Coast, and Adventist Health Ukiah Valley.

“Linda’s vast experience in many aspects of patient care gives purpose and meaning to the decisions she will make in her new role,” said Judson Howe, President of Adventist Health’s North Coast Network. “Having worked with her for many years, I know that our team will continue to excel.”

Givens holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Washington State University and a master’s degree in nursing from University of Phoenix.


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ABOUT ADVENTIST HEALTH: Adventist Health is a faith-inspired, nonprofit, integrated health system serving more than 80 communities on the West Coast and Hawaii with over 400 sites of care. Founded on Adventist heritage and values, Adventist Health provides care in hospitals, clinics, home care agencies, hospice agencies, and joint-venture retirement centers in both rural and urban communities. Our compassionate and talented team of 34,000 includes employees, medical staff physicians, allied health professionals, and volunteers driven in pursuit of one mission: living God's love by inspiring health, wholeness, and hope. We are committed to staying true to our heritage by providing patient-centered, quality care. Together, we are transforming the healthcare experience with an innovative and whole-person focus on physical, mental, spiritual, and social healing to support community well-being.