Dignity Health has announced a major leadership appointment for its Central Valley operations, naming David Ziolkowski as Central Valley Market President, effective July 6, 2026.
In his new role, Ziolkowski will help guide strategy, growth, operations, financial performance, and support services across Dignity Health’s Central Valley market, which includes hospitals serving communities from Bakersfield and Merced to Stockton and San Andreas.
For Stockton, the appointment carries special significance. Ziolkowski currently serves as President of St. Joseph’s Medical Center, where he has played a key role in strengthening hospital operations, expanding access to care, and advancing quality outcomes. During his leadership, St. Joseph’s earned a CMS 4-Star Quality Rating and a Leapfrog “A” Hospital Safety Grade, two important recognitions tied to clinical quality and patient safety. The hospital also maintained its Joint Commission accreditation following a comprehensive survey.
“I am honored to serve as Central Valley Market President and excited to build on the incredible work already taking place across our hospitals and communities,” said Ziolkowski. “I’ve had the opportunity to experience firsthand the dedication of our physicians, nurses, employees, and leaders, and I am inspired by their commitment to delivering exceptional care.”
Ziolkowski said he looks forward to strengthening services, investing in innovation, and advancing Dignity Health’s mission of improving the health and well-being of every community it serves throughout the Central Valley.
As Central Valley Market President, Ziolkowski will work closely with hospital presidents, Dignity Health California regional leaders, and CommonSpirit Health national leadership to move strategic priorities forward and support the organization’s long-term goals.
Julie J. Sprengel, California President for Dignity Health, praised Ziolkowski’s leadership and his commitment to the organization’s mission.
“What truly sets David apart, and what we value deeply in his leadership, is his powerful combination of business acumen and an inspiring passion for our mission,” Sprengel said. “He is precisely the leader we need for our Central Valley market.”
Sprengel added that Ziolkowski’s experience in operational excellence, strategic growth, and compassionate care makes him well suited to lead efforts to expand access to high-quality healthcare throughout the region.
Before joining Dignity Health, Ziolkowski held senior executive roles with several major healthcare organizations, including Tenet Healthcare, Lifepoint Health, Duke University Health System, and St. Joseph Health. He earned a Master of Healthcare Administration from the University of Minnesota and began his healthcare career with Catholic Healthcare West as an Administrative Fellow in San Francisco.
The Dignity Health Central Valley Market includes Bakersfield Memorial Hospital, Mercy Hospital Downtown and Mercy Hospital Southwest in Bakersfield, Mercy Medical Center Merced, St. Joseph’s Medical Center and St. Joseph’s Behavioral Health Hospital in Stockton, and Mark Twain Medical Center in San Andreas.
Ziolkowski will continue serving as President of St. Joseph’s Medical Center during the leadership transition and until a successor is appointed.
For Stockton and the broader Central Valley, the appointment places a familiar healthcare leader in a larger regional role at a time when access, quality, innovation, and compassionate care remain essential priorities for growing communities.