The Cottage Health Board of Directors has named Scott Wester, MHA, as Cottage Health’s next president and CEO, concluding an extensive national search. Wester will assume the role on April 7, 2025, succeeding Ron Werft, MHA, who is set to retire after 38 years with the organization, including 25 years as its president and CEO.
“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.
Cottage Health is a reputed non-profit healthcare system offering advanced services on the Central Coast of California. With multiple locations in Goleta, Santa Barbara, and Santa Ynez Valley, Cottage Health serves thousands yearly through specialty and residency programs.
A Leader With a Track Record of Success
With over 30 years of experience in healthcare leadership, Wester has played a pivotal role in transforming healthcare institutions. His tenure at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, saw significant advancements, including the construction of a new children’s hospital and a heart and vascular institute.
Wester also facilitated the hospital’s transition into a major teaching institution and secured a $250 million workforce development partnership with Louisiana State University.
Wester was, until now, the president and chief executive officer of Memorial Healthcare System in South Florida, one of the country’s largest public healthcare systems. Under his leadership, Memorial Healthcare has stabilized its workforce, expanded clinical programs, and opened a new cancer institute in partnership with Moffitt Cancer Center.
The system also recorded its strongest fiscal year, inpatient care, and community outreach initiatives.
Continuing Cottage Health’s Legacy of Excellence
Cottage Health’s Board is confident that Wester’s skills will advance the organization.
“We’re excited to work with Scott in the coming months and years and see him transform his vision into actions that improve health in our region,” stated Eric Seale, Chair of the Cottage Health Board of Directors.
Moving forward, Wester will focus on key areas, including expanding his medical staff, advancing health care through the Compton Center for Medical Excellence and Innovation, and enhancing ambulatory and acute care.
Wester will also be the chief guide for significant events, such as relocating Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital to the Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital campus and elevating the services at Cottage Hospital of Santa Ynez Valley.
A Commitment to Community Healthcare
Wester is a Cincinnati native with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and classical humanities from Saint Louis University, graduating magna cum laude. He later earned a Master of Hospital and Health Administration from Xavier University. His grandfather was an obstetrician/ gynecologist, his father a clinical psychologist, and his daughters are pursuing careers in medicine and veterinary science. Healthcare is not just a career but a family legacy that Wester carries forward.
Expressing his enthusiasm for his new role, the profound impact of Wester emphasized Cottage Health on the Central Coast, saying, “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.” He added, “I’m excited to lead this outstanding organization and the thousands of employees who reflect Cottage’s core values of excellence, integrity, and compassion.”
Under Wester’s passionate leadership, Cottage Health will continue its tradition of excellence while embracing new opportunities for growth and innovation.
