FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 13, 2026 
(Chester, Lake Almanor, CA) – Seneca Healthcare District (SHD) announces the upcoming retirement of CEO Shawn McKenzie, at the conclusion of his sixth year of service on November 30, 2026. Mr. McKenzie has served in various roles in the healthcare industry for more than 44 years and has been a transformative leader for SHD – driving growth, innovation, and cultural change that will shape the organization for years to come.
Mr. McKenzie will continue to serve in his capacity as CEO until he retires in November 2026. Board President Jerri Nielsen especially thanks Mr. McKenzie for his tireless efforts in accomplishing the primary objectives asked of him when he accepted the position in November of 2020: “Shawn improved our organization’s culture; helped rally the community behind the ballot measure needed to fund building a new hospital and set that well on the path toward completion in Spring of 2027; leaned into the Board’s objective to augment staff education for career advancement; recruited strong and capable leaders to the executive team; and established succession planning for that executive team to ensure the continued success of the organization.”
Mr. McKenzie and Seneca’s Board have been planning for this transition for over a year. Seneca’s Chief Operations Officer, (COO), Brady Haynes, was brought onto the executive team so he would have the opportunity to learn the operations and nuances of the organization before moving into the CEO role upon Mr. McKenzie’s retirement. Mr. Haynes is well-qualified to take the helm, and the Board fully supports his promotion to CEO beginning on December 1, 2026.
“Shawn’s leadership has been transformative for Seneca Healthcare District and healthcare in the Lake Almanor basin. His ability to balance vision with practical execution has positioned our organization for long-term success. From gaining support for the new hospital, including a successful bond initiative, to fostering a culture of integrity and collaboration, Shawn has left an indelible mark on all of us. It has been a privilege to work alongside him, and we are deeply grateful for his dedication and service. All the best in retirement Shawn!”
— Steve Boline, CFO
“It has been an honor to collaborate with Shawn at the executive level at Seneca. Shawn’s exemplary leadership has significantly advanced the development of the new Lake Almanor Community Hospital and fostered meaningful cultural transformation at our current facility. I am personally grateful for Shawn’s enduring contributions, which have resulted in lasting, positive changes within our organization and the broader Lake Almanor community. I extend my best wishes as Shawn enters retirement.”
— Judy Cline, CNO
“I am honored by the Board’s confidence and grateful for the leadership and mentorship of Mr. McKenzie. He has set a remarkable example of vision, integrity, and dedication. His guidance has been invaluable in preparing me for this transition, and I want to sincerely thank him for the time, energy, and wisdom he has invested in me and in Seneca. This transition reflects a thoughtful and strategic plan to ensure continuity and stability for our organization. I am committed to building on the strong foundation Shawn has established, advancing our mission, and continuing to serve our patients, staff, and community with integrity, compassion, and purpose.”
— Brady Haynes, COO
“Working with Shawn has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. He’s not just a leader; he’s a visionary who truly cares about people and the community we serve. Shawn has an incredible ability to see the big picture while never losing sight of the individuals who make it all possible. His compassion, integrity, and drive have inspired everyone around him, and I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to work so closely with someone who leads with both heart and purpose.”
— Chelssa Outland, PR/Marketing Officer
What is next for Mr. McKenzie? Mr. McKenzie has begun the process to officially set in motion his candidacy for the district 3 seat on the Plumas County Board of Supervisors. If elected, Mr. McKenzie would be sworn in as a Plumas County Supervisor in January of 2027, a little more than a month after he officially retires from Seneca.
On behalf of the entire Seneca Healthcare District family, we thank Shawn McKenzie for his visionary leadership, tireless dedication, and unwavering commitment to our community. We wish him the very best as he embarks on his next chapter.
Message from Shawn McKenzie
It’s hard to believe that nearly six years have passed since I joined Seneca Healthcare District. From the very beginning, I knew this was a special place, a community that deserves the very best in healthcare. My goal was simple: to help Seneca grow, improve, and become a healthcare organization second to none and a stable place of unmatched care this community needs and deserves.
Together, we have accomplished so much. We have strengthened our culture, built an ethical foundation focused on transparency and integrity, and most importantly, worked tirelessly to make the vision of a new hospital a reality. The new hospital project is not just about bricks and mortar, it is about creating a future where our patients and families have access to the care they deserve, right here at home.
I have always believed that leadership is about service to people, all people. Leadership is best reflected by listening, caring, and making decisions that serve the greater good. I have been fortunate to work alongside an incredible team of individuals who share that same commitment to our community and have made this journey meaningful and rewarding.
As I am preparing to retire at the end of my sixth year, I want you to know that this decision comes with excitement for the future—not just for me, but for Seneca.
I want to thank the Board and the community for their trust and support. The Seneca Board of Directors’ leadership has been instrumental in driving change and ensuring that Seneca remains a place of excellence and compassion.
To all of you; our staff, partners, and community members. Thank you for allowing me to serve. This has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my life. I look forward to seeing Seneca continue to thrive and grow, as I stand in the back of the room cheering you on. Do Good Things!
