Administration

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  Steve Stark, CEO

  Steve Stark, CEO

  Steve Stark is a graduate of the University of Drury in Springfield, Missouri, with a Bachelor of Business Administration and two Master’s degrees from Bellevue University, Nebraska: Hospital Administration and Organizational Performance. Steve serves as chief executive officer at Orchard Hospital. Steve is responsible for aligning the hospital mission and vision with physicians, the board of directors, and communities in Butte County. Steve works closely with the CFO, COO/CNO, and managers of Orchard Hospital to accomplish goals that create a healthcare delivery system that is safer and more efficient for its patients. 

  
  

  Steve came to Orchard Hospital in January 1, 2015. Steve’s healthcare career began over 15 years ago, serving as a hospital information technology director. Since then, Steve has been promoted to more advanced roles including Senior Infrastructure Engineer, Chief Information Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Executive Officer. Steve has spoken to groups across the country about integrating continuous process improvement and technology into daily workflow to provide better patient care. Today, Steve is considered a leader in organizational strategy and has a black belt in Lean and Six Sigma, which is evident in his management style. Steve is also a Studer Group® Champion.
  

  
  

   

   

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  John Christopher, CNO

  John Christopher, CNO

  John Christopher is a graduate of College of the Redwoods and the University of Phoenix. An RN with 32 years of nursing experience and over 35years of healthcare experience, she also holds an MSN and MHA. Her primary career focus has been Emergency Nursing, education, and leadership in Critical Access and Community Hospitals. She has been published in the Journal of Emergency Nursing and has led Emergency Departments to gain national awards in her past. Beth has a passion for patients to receive the best medical care possible and knows the importance of building trust in the community so they can count on their hospital to care for them.

  Beth came to Orchard Hospital in 2018 to lead the Emergency Department. In January 2021, she transitioned to Chief Nursing Officer and is responsible for clinical operations and nursing services.

  
  

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  Ed Gonzalez, CFO

  Ed Gonzalez, CFO

  Ed Gonzalez brings over 25 years of leadership experience to our organization, with a strong background in healthcare and other industries. Prior to his role, he held the position of Chief Financial Officer for over 4 years at a 221-bed hospital (level III trauma center) where he directed the financial operations for the hospital with an operating budget of over $500 million. Ed’s educational credentials include a Master's in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Southern California, Marshall School of Business, and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Phoenix. Ed has also served as a board member for the City of Lincoln's Fiscal and Investment Finance Board, overseeing financial statements, budget approval, and financial audits. With a demonstrated track record of financial leadership and a strong commitment to excellence, our CFO is dedicated to driving strategic growth and financial success within our organization.

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  Kirsten Storne-Piazza, CCA

  Kirsten Storne-Piazza, CCA

  Kirsten Storne-Piazza is the Chief Clinic Administrator at Orchard Hospital. Kirsten has a Master’s Degree in Psychology and is also a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist and a Certified Rural Health Clinic Professional. Kirsten serves on the California State Rural Health Association Board, Gridley Unified School Board of Trustees and local service club organization boards.  She has been in healthcare administration and business development since 2009.Kirsten is currently working on finishing her MBA in Healthcare Executive Leadership. She also contracts with the Butte County Wellness Unit to provide training, support and therapy to all First Responders and healthcare workers in Butte County, CA. Kirsten's passion is rural healthcare and working to create and maintain physically and mentally healthy communities and healthcare workers.