Dignity Health Announces Brian Smolskis as New President and CEO of California Hospital Medical Center

Visionary Healthcare Leader to Guide Downtown Los Angeles Facility into a New Era of Growth and Enhanced Community Care

Los Angeles, Calif. – November 19, 2025 – Dignity Health, a member of CommonSpirit Health, announced the appointment of Brian Smolskis as the new President and CEO of California Hospital Medical Center (CHMC), effective December 8, 2025. Smolskis, a seasoned healthcare executive with over two decades of progressive leadership experience in complex urban hospital settings, will lead the Downtown Los Angeles hospital in its mission to deliver clinical excellence, foster innovation, and provide compassionate care to the diverse communities it serves.

Smolskis joins CHMC following a distinguished career at PIH Health, where his strategic leadership as COO for multiple acute care hospitals and President of PIH Health Physicians drove significant operational excellence and growth. He notably managed daily operations for facilities totaling over $1.3 billion in revenue and thousands of employees. Throughout his career, he has consistently orchestrated financial turnarounds, overseen major construction projects like a $104 million hospital tower, and expanded physician networks and Medicare Advantage enrollment, always fostering strong community ties and delivering improved quality scores, efficiency, and patient satisfaction.

"We are excited to welcome Brian Smolskis to California Hospital Medical Center," shares Jill Welton, MSN, RN, Market President, Dignity Health Southern California. "His extensive understanding of hospital operations, coupled with his financial prowess and steadfast dedication to community health, perfectly aligns with our commitment to humankindness and delivering exceptional care in Downtown LA. We look forward to his strategic contributions in driving continued excellence and innovation in patient care."

"I am honored to join California Hospital Medical Center, an institution with a rich history and a profound commitment to the health and well-being of Downtown Los Angeles," states Brian Smolskis. "I look forward to working alongside the dedicated physicians, nurses, caregivers, and community partners to build upon CHMC’s legacy, embrace innovation, and ensure that every patient receives the personalized care and humankindness they deserve."

Smolskis's extensive background also includes significant experience in managed care and health plan operations, areas critical to navigating California's evolving healthcare landscape. He holds a Master of Business Administration from California State University, Long Beach, and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Franklin and Marshall College.

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About Dignity Health - California Hospital Medical Center

Founded in 1887, Dignity Health - California Hospital Medical Center is a 318-bed, acute care, nonprofit hospital located in downtown Los Angeles. The hospital offers a full complement of services including a Level II trauma center, the Los Angeles Center for Women’s Health, obstetrics and pediatric services, and comprehensive cardiac and surgical services. The hospital shares a legacy of humankindness with Dignity Health, one of the largest health care systems. Visit dignityhealth.org/californiahospital for more information.

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