Healthcare District Board names new president to lead in 2026

December 17, 2025 - District Staff

The gavel was passed to a new president Tuesday, Dec. 16, during the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation Board's final meeting of 2025.

The annual Board officer elections resulted in a leadership change with Secretary Kimberly Barraza (pictured) taking on the duties of president, a role formerly held by Carole Rogers.President Barraza joined the Board in November 2022, elected to a four-year term by Coachella Valley voters. She is a resident of the District's zone six, which encompasses a majority of Indio.

She currently serves on the Program Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, and as chairperson of the Legislative Policy Committee. One of her first duties as president will be to appoint fellow Board Directors to various committees.

"I am honored to serve as Board President of the Desert Healthcare District and Foundation," President Barraza said in a written statement. "Our region continues to face significant health challenges, and this role comes with a responsibility to lead with transparency, collaboration, and a deep commitment to equity. I look forward to working alongside my fellow Board members, staff, and community partners to strengthen access to care, invest in prevention, and ensure our resources are used in ways that truly improve health outcomes for the residents of the Coachella Valley."

Completing the Board leadership for 2026, Directors Greg Rodriguez (zone one) and Dr. Daniel Logsdon (zone three) will continue as vice-president and treasurer, respectively. And Director Leticia DeLara (zone seven), a former Board president, will serve as secretary.

The seven-member Board also includes Carole Rogers (zone two) and Evett PerezGil (zone four). Following the resignation of Director Arthur Shorr on November 30, the Board's zone five seat is currently vacant. However, applicants are being accepted until 5 p.m. Jan. 5.

Interested residents are asked to submit a cover letter and résumé to Desert Healthcare District & Foundation CEO Chris Christensen to be considered for the Board seat. Applications may be submitted by email to info@dhcd.org. Interviews will be conducted by the Board at a special public meeting with the possible appointment of a new Director on Jan. 8.

"It is an exciting time for the Healthcare District, as we enter 2026 and continue our strategic planning process which will help determine our Board and staff priorities for the next several years," Christensen said. "We look forward to supporting President Barraza and the entire Board as we work together to advance community wellness in the Coachella Valley."

About the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation

The Desert Healthcare District is a local government agency formed in 1948. Its mission is to achieve optimal health at all stages of life for all District residents. The District includes more than 400,000 residents and encompasses the entire Coachella Valley. The District and Desert Healthcare Foundation, together, are one of the largest funders in the valley. These funds are used to assist residents — especially the underserved — in accessing vitally needed resources, such as primary and behavioral healthcare. Learn more.