10/15/2026
Congratulations to Dr. Karin Freese on being recognized as ACHD’s 2026 CEO of the Year!
Del Puerto Health Care District CEO Dr. Karin Freese Named ACHD CEO of the Year
Statewide honor recognizes a decade of leadership that has expanded care in Patterson and set the stage for a new health care campus
Patterson, Calif. – The Association of California Healthcare Districts (ACHD) has named Dr. Karin Freese, Chief Executive Officer of Del Puerto Health Care District (DPHCD), its 2026 CEO of the Year. The award recognizes healthcare district leaders whose vision and results have strengthened care in their communities. Dr. Freese was nominated by DPHCD’s management team, as well as Board Members and community leadership, and received the honor at the ACHD Annual Meeting in Monterey.
Since Dr. Freese joined DPHCD in 2016, the District has added providers, introduced evening hours at the Del Puerto Health Center, and brought a licensed clinical social worker onto the health center staff. It has also built community health programs that reach residents where they are, including more than 400 free sports physicals for Patterson High School athletes, a drive-through diabetes screening run with the CSU Stanislaus nursing program, and support for Patterson High’s health care career pathway.
Dr. Freese has led two Community Health Needs Assessments, and behavioral health emerged in both as one of Patterson’s most pressing needs. The District responded by adding a licensed clinical social worker to the health center, then secured a $27 million state grant for a dedicated behavioral health facility.
“In my sixteen years with the District, I’ve worked alongside many leaders, but few have made an impact as lasting as Karin’s,” said Suzie Benitez, Health Center Manager, Del Puerto Health Center. “When our community health needs assessments showed behavioral health was one of Patterson’s greatest unmet needs, she didn’t just acknowledge it – she brought mental health support into our clinic, then went after the funding to build something bigger. Karin has ensured that our District listens to the residents we serve and works towards solutions that will last for generations.”
That facility will anchor the first phase of the Del Puerto health care campus, alongside an expanded, more centrally located Del Puerto Health Center and a new ambulance and administration center. Dr. Freese led the District to acquire the 27-acre property in Patterson and guided the campus through master planning.
“For years, people looked at that property in the heart of Patterson and simply saw vacant land – but Karin envisioned the potential for a health care campus,” said Reyna Gomez, RN, BSN, Board Member, Del Puerto Health Care District. “Nothing about this project has been what I would describe as ‘easy’ – the district faced many challenges as we worked to acquire the land, but Karin’s ambition and incredible drive made it possible. The work Karin is doing now will serve Patterson families for decades.”
Dr. Freese’s leadership extends well beyond Del Puerto Health Center. In 2026, she partnered with NAMI Stanislaus to launch Patterson’s first NAMIWalks, bringing the community together around mental health and raising more than $18,000. She worked with Assemblymember Juan Alanis to introduce and advocate for AB 2282, which would have allowed the District to operate a Rural Emergency Stabilization Care Unit (RESCU) in Patterson while a permanent hospital is built. The bill passed the Legislature with broad bipartisan support, bringing much needed attention to the need for additional local health care services.
“I’m deeply grateful to our management team, Board, and community leaders for nominating me for CEO of the Year,” said Dr. Freese. “It is an honor to serve alongside people who care so deeply about our community. Our staff bring that commitment to life every day, and our Board’s willingness to think big and invest in the future gives us the opportunity to expand care close to home. I accept this honor with appreciation for everyone who shares in this work, including the community members who continue to place their trust in us.
“Expanding healthcare access in Patterson and across the West Side takes persistence, partnership, and listening to the people we serve. We have more work ahead, and I’m grateful to be part of a team committed to building a future where more families can receive the care they need in the community they call home.”
