OROVILLE HOSPITAL BOARD OF TRUSTEES APPROVES TRANSITION PLAN
President and Chief Executive Officer Robert J. Wentz to retire
OROVILLE, Calif. March 9, 2026 – The Oroville Hospital Board of Trustees has approved a transition plan designed to provide continuity during the hospital’s ongoing sale process and financial restructuring efforts under Chapter 11 protection. As part of that transition, Robert J. Wentz, President and Chief Executive Officer, will step down from his role after more than four decades of dedicated service.
Scott Chapple, currently the hospital’s Administrator/Chief Operating Officer, will succeed Mr. Wentz as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective upon court approval of the transition plan. Hospital operations and patient services will continue without interruption.
In a separate action on Feb. 19, the Bankruptcy Court approved a final debtor-in-possession financing agreement providing funds to maintain operations of the hospital throughout the Chapter 11 process.
Mr. Wentz began planning his retirement over a year ago, but, at the request of the Board of Trustees, agreed to remain in his role to help lead the hospital through this critical period and ensure stability, continuity of care, and a smooth leadership transition. Going forward, Mr. Wentz will continue to support employees, the medical staff, affiliate entities, the psychiatric residency program, and the sales process during the bankruptcy in a consulting capacity.
“For more than 40 years, Bob has been the steady hand guiding this organization through growth, innovation, and challenge,” said Matthew Bazzani, M.D., Chair of the Board of Trustees. “His tireless dedication to our facility and to the people we serve has been instrumental to our success in providing high-quality, compassionate care to residents of Oroville and the surrounding foothill and valley communities for so many years. We are deeply grateful for his leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to our community. The Board, Medical Staff, employees, and community members extend their sincere appreciation to Bob for his more than four decades of service and wish him the very best in his well-earned next chapter.”
Under Mr. Wentz’s leadership, the hospital expanded services, strengthened clinical programs, and built lasting partnerships throughout the region. His focus has always remained on delivering high-quality, compassionate care close to home. He has agreed to stay on as a consultant to provide necessary support to the hospital through the sales process.
“I remain committed to helping complete the transition of the hospital to new ownership in whatever capacity I am needed,” said Mr. Wentz. “This succession plan has been in the works for many years, and Scott is the right leader to guide the hospital through this challenging period. He has my full and unwavering support. It has been an honor and a privilege to be associated with this organization for so many years, and I look forward to continuing to be a productive and engaged member of this community.”
Mr. Chapple has over 38 years of healthcare leadership experience and has been employed by Oroville Hospital for more than 22 years, during which he has served in multiple leadership capacities and played a key role in operational excellence, strategic planning, and patient care initiatives.
“Scott’s deep institutional knowledge, proven leadership, and long-standing commitment to our mission make him uniquely qualified to lead us forward,” said Dr. Bazzani. “The Board has full confidence in his ability to guide the hospital through the next chapter and position us for long-term stability and success.”
Mr. Chapple expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve in his new role. “It is an honor to lead this organization and the exceptional team who provide outstanding care every day,” he said. “I am committed to building on the strong foundation established by Bob and working collaboratively to ensure a stable and sustainable future for our hospital.”
About Oroville Hospital
Oroville Hospital is a community hospital dedicated to providing the finest personalized healthcare to the Oroville and the surrounding foothill and valley communities by offering a wide range of integrated services from prevention through treatment to wellness. For more information, please visit www.OrovilleHospital.com.
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