[Sacramento, Calif.] – Western Health Advantage (WHA) today announced that Garry Maisel, the company's founding Chief Executive Officer and President, will retire effective December 31, 2025. Maisel, age 66, led the development of WHA as its first full-time employee in 1996 and has continued to lead the organization for almost 30 years. Throughout his tenure, Maisel has worked to provide families with access to quality local health care and has been a passionate community leader in support of wellness, education, and the arts.
"After three decades leading this remarkable company, I feel now is the right time to let it evolve under new leadership," said Maisel. "What started as a good idea among a small group of innovative health care providers - doctors and hospital leaders - to increase access to high-quality health care - has grown into an organization that delivers value to our members, employees, and health systems while strengthening our local communities. I'm incredibly proud of what we've accomplished together."
As President and CEO, Maisel has provided leadership at WHA from its 1996 inception to today, with current annual revenue exceeding $1 billion. WHA focuses on improving healthcare access and affordability and is well known for developing innovative programs to expand coverage to the uninsured. WHA currently provides medical coverage to almost 130,000 members in Northern California.
Mark Behl, Chair of the Board of Directors and President and CEO of NorthBay Health, a founding sponsor of WHA located in Solano County, stated, "Garry's vision, dedication, and leadership have been instrumental in building Western Health into the community asset that it is today. The culture and ethos of WHA reflect Garry’s personal commitment to the people and organizations of Northern California. The organization wouldn’t be what it is today without Garry leading the way and inspiring others to invest in the health and wellness of their communities."
Dr. Tina Johnson, Board Vice-Chair and Sacramento Market President of Dignity Health, also a founding sponsor of WHA, reflected, “Garry has made an impact on hundreds of thousands of WHA members who have received services and care through their Western Health coverage. Without question, his legacy of service to our community will continue to benefit charities and nonprofits throughout Northern California.”
In his time at WHA, Maisel has served on the boards of numerous nonprofit organizations. He currently serves on several boards, including the Crocker Art Museum (Board President), the Carlsen Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the Greater Sacramento Economic Council, the Sacramento Region Community Foundation (Board Chair), the University Foundation at Sacramento State, and WEAVE. Maisel has received several awards in recognition of his many years of community service, including the 2023 Sacramentan of the Year award from the Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce.
To ensure a smooth leadership transition, the WHA Board separated Maisel’s role of President and Chief Executive Officer on July 1, 2024, with Maisel retaining the role of CEO and transitioning the role of President to Dr. Khuram Arif, the organization’s former Chief Medical Officer and a board-certified pediatrician. Upon Maisel’s retirement on December 31, the WHA Board will additionally appoint Dr. Arif as CEO to complete the leadership transition. Maisel will remain in an advisory role to WHA for a period of 12 months after retirement.
During retirement, Maisel intends to continue his prolific volunteerism and commitments to the community, by remaining an active nonprofit community leader. "I love Sacramento and I love this region," Maisel stated, "and I hope to continue to serve both for many years to come."
Founded by Dignity Health and NorthBay Health with a vision to simplify health care and put patients first, Western Health Advantage (WHA) has been a trusted partner in health for over 29 years. Headquartered in Sacramento, WHA is a nonprofit HMO dedicated to delivering quality, affordable care to more than 128,000 members and over 5,000 employer groups across Northern California. With a mission rooted in accessibility and innovation, WHA offers a range of flexible health plans for individuals, families, and businesses, ensuring that care is not only comprehensive but also affordable. Discover how WHA is redefining health care for our communities at westernhealth.com.
