Riverside County executive Greg Rodriguez is ending his service on the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation Board to pursue a different role with the agency. His resignation is effective on June 11.
Rodriguez, who was elected to the Board as its zone one representative in November 2024, announced that he plans to apply for the CEO job.
“It has truly been a pleasure to serve alongside my fellow Board members and to have the incredible support of the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation staff,” Rodriguez said in an email addressed to Board members and staff. “I can’t thank you all enough for the camaraderie and the vision we have all shared on the amazing things that are going to happen as the District moves forward.”
The CEO role recently opened when the Board voted to fire then-CEO Chris Christensen on May 26.
After joining the District & Foundation Board, Rodriguez was elected by his fellow Board members to serve as vice president in 2024 and again in 2025.
“Greg has been a valued member of our Board, and we are grateful for his service and dedication to our community,” Board President Kimberly Barraza said Wednesday. “We thank him for his contributions to the District and wish him continued success.”
Rodriguez is currently employed as deputy director for government affairs and community engagement for Riverside County’s Housing and Workforce Solutions Department, a position he has held since 2022.
With two and a half years remaining in his term, Rodriguez‘s resignation creates a vacancy on the Healthcare District Board’s Zone 1, which comprises all of Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage and a small portion of western Palm Desert. The Board is required to notify Riverside County election officials of the vacancy and then determine a path to fill the seat. Options may include an appointment or a special election, but that is yet to be determined.
