Desert Healthcare District was searching for a new CEO Wednesday, following a board decision to remove Chris Christensen from the post.
The district’s board voted Tuesday night to terminate Christensen.
“The board in closed session voted unanimously (to) terminate the CEO without cause in accordance with the terms of his contract,” the board’s legal counsel said during the meeting.
Board President Kimberly Barraza raised concerns about his judgment and ethics, and Christensen defended himself against those claims during the meeting, KESQ reported.
“These decisions are never easy. We wish Mr. Christensen well. The board remains united in its commitment to serving the healthcare needs for our community,” Barraza said in a statement.
Christensen, who could not be reached for comment Wednesday, addressed the board and defended himself against Barraza’s concerns, according to KESQ. He also said his annual performance review began in March but was then delayed several times, leading to concerns about a lack of respect and possible harassment, the station reported.
“For me, I prefer to maintain my integrity, and respect and trust are earned, not demanded,” Christensen told the board, according to KESQ.
Christensen served as interim CEO of the district starting in September 2023, but was appointed to the full-time post the following spring.
Chief Program Officer Donna Craig, who has been with the organization for 21 years, was named interim CEO pending a search for a permanent successor.