Scott Wester announced as Cottage Health’s new President and CEO

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Cottage Health’s Board of Directors has selected Scott Wester as its new president and CEO. Wester will begin his role on April 7, 2025, succeeding Ron Werft, who is retiring after nearly 40 years with Cottage Health, including 25 years as president and CEO.

“The opportunity to lead Cottage Health has been and continues to be a joy, privilege, and honor,” Werft said. “Cottage is an extraordinary organization, and every day I see why—it’s an incredible team of employees, physicians, executives, board members, donors, and volunteers who are always working to make Cottage even better.”

Cottage Health announced Werft's retirement in July, prompting a national search for his replacement. The Board of Directors said Wester’s 30 years of experience in leading health care systems, along with his strategic vision, distinguished him as a top candidate.

“We’re excited to work with Scott in the coming months and years and see him transform his vision into actions that improve health in our region,” said Eric Seale, who was appointed chair of the Cottage Health Board of Directors in January.

Wester earned bachelor’s degrees in chemistry and classical humanities from Saint Louis University in 1990, followed by a Master of Hospital and Health Administration from Xavier University in 1993.

Wester has strong prior leadership experience in the healthcare field, having served as President and CEO of Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Memorial Healthcare System in South Florida.

Wester will oversee medical staff expansion, advance health care initiatives through the Compton Center for Medical Excellence and Innovation, and broaden services in ambulatory and acute care. The organization is also undertaking major projects, including relocating Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital to the Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital campus and expanding services at Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital.

“Every conversation I’ve had about Cottage Health confirms that its impact goes beyond its hospitals and clinics. It’s a fundamental part of this Central Coast community,” Mr. Wester said. “I’m excited to lead this outstanding organization and the thousands of employees who reflect Cottage’s core values of excellence, integrity and compassion.”