By Karen Pearlman
Photo, left: Aaron J. Byzak, Interim CEO, Grossmont Healthcare District
March 10, 2025 (La Mesa) — The Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD) has appointed Aaron J. Byzak as its interim CEO during a special board meeting held on March 10. Byzak, who has served as the district’s communications strategy consultant, steps into the role effective immediately following the decision not to renew the contract of former CEO Christian Wallis.
The board of directors voted unanimously to approve Byzak’s appointment. He expressed confidence in his ability to facilitate a smooth transition during this period. Byzak stated, ‘At this point I feel I’m uniquely qualified to help ease the transition.’
As part of his contract, Byzak will receive $18,500 per month in addition to his previous public affairs contract with the district of $6,000 per month. His responsibilities will include advising the board as they search for a new permanent CEO, a process which he estimates will take between three to six months.
GHD, which was established in 1952, oversees the operations of Sharp Grossmont Hospital and provides community health grants, scholarships, and wellness resources for East County residents. Byzak noted, ‘We want to ensure that our nationally renowned programs continue without interruption and that we maintain strong relationships with our community partners.’
Former CEO Christian Wallis, who had been with GHD since 2021, recently parted ways with the board amid discussions about his contract. Wallis’s departure has elicited reactions from staff and community members, with many expressing their surprise and disappointment.
Amy Abrams, GHD’s chief community health officer, commented on Wallis’s departure, calling it ‘an unwelcome surprise to all of us on staff’.
Nadia Farjood, a new board member, voiced her discontent with the decision to terminate Wallis’s contract, characterizing him as a ‘visionary, strategic, thoughtful, and capable leader’.
Bob Ayres, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, expressed confidence in Byzak’s capabilities, stating, ‘We are extremely fortunate to have someone of Aaron’s caliber and experience step into this role.’
Byzak is a highly regarded figure in the healthcare community and has extensive experience in hospital leadership. He has previously served in executive roles at Tri-City Healthcare District and UC San Diego Health.
As he embarks on this new role, Byzak is poised to lead the district towards its next chapter of growth and development, ensuring continuity and stability during the transitional phase.
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