Corcoran District Hospital has named Jonathan Brenn as its new chief executive officer, following a nationwide search conducted by the board of directors earlier this year. Brenn had previously worked for Brim Healthcare as an interim administrator throughout the U.S. His most recent assignment was at San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital in Banning, Calif., where he managed a $200 million construction project.

He replaces David Hill, who left the post in February to take an upper management position at Sonoma Valley Hospital.

Brenn had been serving on an interim basis since Feb. 23, but his appointment was made permanent on April 3, , hospital officials said. He was chosen out of three external candidates.

Hospital leaders say Brenn brings more than 30 years of hospital administration experience.

"The board feels confident that Jonathan Brenn is the most competent candidate and has the qualifications to meet the needs of Corcoran District Hospital," said Board Vice Chairman Jesse Martinez.

Brenn, a fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives, has degrees from Yale and Brown universities.

The new CEO comes at a challenging time for the rural district hospital, which had previously faced a $1.2 million deficit in February because of unpaid reimbursements from the state.

With 32 beds, the hospital fulfills a key role as a provider in an area marked by a lack of health-care access. The hospital provides standby emergency room services, surgical services and indigent clinic programs.

The last 10 months have been a rough ride for the Corcoran hospital.

In September, the hospital laid off 27 employees as a direct result of the state budget crisis. Shortly before that, the hospital borrowed $200,000 from Corcoran to make payroll, although it immediately paid back the money.

This February, the hospital borrowed another $500,000 from the city and got a $100,000 advance on property tax revenue from the county -- measures needed to help with its cash flow.

The reporter can be reached at 583-2429.

(April 22, 2009)