Christian Wallis named NIHD CEO

The Northern Inyo Healthcare District Board of Directors has appointed Christian Wallis, DHA, MBA, FACHE, as Chief Executive Officer, following seven months of steady progress and teamwork under his interim leadership.

Wallis joined NIHD in March as Interim CEO. At the time, Wallis intended to stay for four to five months. During his first few months, however, Wallis said it was the people — both employees and residents — who led him to consider staying on.

“I didn’t come here planning to apply for the permanent position,” Wallis said. “But I quickly saw how deeply people care about this hospital and what it means to the region. Their dedication gave me a sense of what’s possible for healthcare in the Eastern Sierra and I wanted to be part of making that vision real.”

The Board interviewed three finalists before making its decision Wednesday evening during its regular October meeting.

“Christian has brought a steady hand and a clear sense of direction,” said NIHD Board Chair Jean Turner. “He listens carefully, values teamwork, and leads with integrity. His approach has helped restore confidence and a sense of shared purpose throughout the organization. Additionally, Christian is highly regarded among his California healthcare CEO colleagues and, as such, brings access to a wealth of knowledge and expertise about effective strategies for the survival of rural hospitals in these trying times.”

During his first months with NIHD, Wallis renewed collaboration with Mammoth Hospital., successfully passed Joint Commission accreditation, and developed a plan for strategic growth and financial accountability. He also helped strengthen NIHD’s orthopedic services by welcoming five surgeons from Mammoth Orthopedic Institute to the District’s medical staff. These efforts are improving coordination among healthcare providers and expanding access to care for local residents.

Wallis also introduced new performance tools and financial measures to support long-term stability. He made communication a top priority, meeting regularly with leaders to share updates and encourage open conversation with all employees.

“I’m grateful for the trust placed in me and proud of what our NIHD team has accomplished together,” Wallis said. “This District has a long history of service and resilience. Our goal now is to keep improving access to care, supporting our workforce, and ensuring that high-quality healthcare remains close to home.”

Before joining NIHD, Wallis served as Chief Executive Officer of the Grossmont Healthcare District in San Diego, where he led programs that improved patient follow-up and emergency coordination. His leadership there earned statewide recognition for innovation and financial stewardship.

He previously held senior roles with Advocate Aurora Health in Illinois and served more than two decades as a U.S. Navy officer, retiring at the rank of Commander. Wallis holds a Doctorate in Healthcare Administration from Central Michigan University, an MBA from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Arizona. He and his wife, Michelle, a Special Education Teacher, are the parents of two sons, ages 25 and 17, and a daughter, age 22.

As CEO, Wallis now leads NIHD into its next phase of strategic growth. His immediate priorities include strengthening recruitment, advancing patient experience initiatives, and continuing to build strong partnerships with regional healthcare providers. The District’s leadership team says these efforts will help ensure that essential healthcare remains accessible, high-quality, and locally driven for the people of the Eastern Sierra.