Big Sur Health Center has announced the appointment of its new Executive Director, Kathie Lester. Kathie has more than 25 years of diverse experience in healthcare program management, nonprofit leadership, and business operations.
With her appointment, Kathie will replace Sharen Carey, who is stepping down from her long-time role as Executive Director. Lester is poised to lead the Health Center into an exciting new chapter of service to the Big Sur community and surrounding Central Coast region. After a transition period, Carey will remain on staff as Grants Administrator.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kathie to the Big Sur Health Center team,” said Health Center Board President, Derric Oliver. “Her extensive experience, combined with her deep understanding of healthcare systems, nonprofit management, and community advocacy, aligns perfectly with our mission to provide accessible and compassionate care to our patients. We are confident her leadership will strengthen our programs and enhance the lives of those we serve.”
A graduate of The University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, Lester began her career in social services, driven by a passion for advocating on behalf of underrepresented communities. Her early work with the American Lung Association in Minneapolis focused on nonprofit management, fund development, financial management, communication strategies, and event planning. This foundation ignited her long-standing commitment to serving communities in need and addressing critical social and environmental issues.
In Spokane, Washington, Kathie served as an Agency Program Director for a homeless shelter dedicated to victims of domestic violence, where she oversaw emergency services, provided critical support to clients, and led teams of staff and volunteers. Her leadership and compassionate approach ensured the delivery of essential resources to individuals and families in crisis.
Upon relocating to Southern California, Lester expanded her expertise by managing billing best practices for a private medical practice for eight years. Most recently, she has spent the last decade directing residential treatment facilities for adolescents, furthering her ability to combine strategic leadership with personalized care.
Carey, who is retiring from her role as the Executive Director after 40 years of dedicated leadership at the Health Center said: “I’m excited to pass the torch to Kathie. Her experience, passion, and dedication make her the perfect person to lead the Health Center into its next chapter. I have no doubt the community will embrace her, just as they have supported me over the years.”
Lester’s philanthropic spirit and personal interests reflect her commitment to the community and the environment. She is an animal rescue advocate, an avid hiker, and an enthusiastic traveler and music lover. As she steps into her new role, Lester is excited to explore all that Big Sur and the Central Coast have to offer while immersing herself in the region’s unique culture and natural beauty.
“I am truly honored to join the Big Sur Health Center as its new Executive Director,” she said. “The Health Center plays an invaluable role in this community, and I look forward to working alongside the dedicated staff and board members to continue providing high-quality care and strengthening the Health Center’s impact. I am eager to meet community members and contribute to this vital mission.”
The Big Sur Health Center is committed to delivering compassionate, high-quality medical care to the residents, workers, and visitors of Big Sur. Under Lester’s leadership, the Health Center will remain steadfast in its dedication to addressing healthcare disparities, expanding access, and supporting the overall well-being of the community.