By the Bay Health CEO Announces Retirement

LARKSPUR, California—By the Bay Health CEO Kitty Whitaker has announced plans to retire in the spring of 2023.

Whitaker, a Corte Madera resident, joined the nonprofit organization as a hospice nurse in 1996 (when it was known as Hospice of Marin). Over her 27-year career, she took on various roles in clinical leadership, became chief operating officer and in 2014 was appointed CEO. 

Under her leadership, By the Bay Health saw a 234% increase in the number of patients and an expansion of service into San Mateo, Napa and Solano counties. Whitaker also worked to increase patient access to the service lines of hospice, pediatric hospice and palliative care and adult palliative care. The organization opened a skilled home health care division in 2017. An affiliation with UCSF Health to promote hospice and palliative care within UCSF’s regional healthcare system was formed in 2015. In 2021, citing Hospice by the Bay’s dynamic growth, Whitaker led efforts to rebrand the organization from Hospice By the Bay to By the Bay Health.

“The board would like to thank Kitty for her many contributions to this organization and the profound impact her work has had on our patients, families and communities,” said Bob Simon, chair of the organization’s board of directors. “A national search for a new CEO is currently underway and we look forward to speaking with candidates who will build on the organization’s 47-year, long-standing legacy.”

In the community, Whitaker led the creation of innovative care programs with several local agencies, including dedicated hospice care rooms at Sonoma Valley Hospital, the Redwoods retirement community and the general inpatient program at UCSF Health. Whitaker’s guidance was also critical to the agency’s response during the Sonoma wildfires and, most recently, during the COVID-19 pandemic.“

“It has truly been an honor to grow with this agency over the years,” Whittaker said. “This is a special place to work, where everyone shares our mission of providing compassionate care for those facing serious medical challenges. Our board of directors is thoughtfully searching for the right person to take over as CEO and I have the utmost confidence in them. As for myself, my years at hospice have taught me about the value and appreciation of time, and I look forward to spending it with family and friends, interests, and new pursuits.”

The search for a replacement is being led by Korn Ferry, an executive search firm.