Cottage Health names Scott Wester as new CEO
Scott Wester, an experienced executive at several healthcare organizations, has been selected as Santa Barbara-based Cottage Health’s newest president and CEO, Cottage announced Feb. 26.
Wester, who has three decades of experience in healthcare, will assume the post on April 7.
He is succeeding Ron Werft, who announced in 2024 that he would be retiring from his CEO spot after 38 years at Cottage, 25 of which were in the president and chief executive role.
“Every conversation I’ve had about Cottage Health confirms that its impact goes beyond its hospitals and clinics. It’s a fundamental part of this Central Coast community,” Wester said in a Feb. 26 press release.
“I’m excited to lead this outstanding organization and the thousands of employees who reflect Cottage’s core values of excellence, integrity and compassion.”
Wester has led the evolution of several healthcare organizations. He spent 14 years as president and CEO of Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, leading several major capital projects, including a $250 million partnership with Louisiana State University for workforce development.
Most recently he was the president and CEO of Memorial Healthcare System in South Florida, one of the nation’s largest public healthcare systems and encompasses six hospitals, more than 16,000 employees, and comprehensive services ranging from primary to quaternary care.
“Scott Wester rose above as a proven, strategic leader in advancing large non-profit and public health systems. He will be a champion for our patient care, shared governance, operational excellence, and
commitment to the community,” said Steven Zola, Chair of Cottage Health’s executive search committee.
