Desert Healthcare District Board Votes to Terminate CEO Chris Christensen

The Desert Healthcare District Board of Directors voted Tuesday night to immediately terminate CEO Chris Christensen.

The decision was unanimously approved during a closed session meeting, where board members had been scheduled to discuss Christensen’s employee performance evaluation.

According to the district’s legal counsel, Christensen’s termination was without cause and in accordance with the terms of his contract.

Before the vote, Christensen addressed the board, pushing back against concerns raised by Board President Kimberly Barraza regarding his judgment and ethics.

Christensen also expressed frustration with what he described as repeated delays in his annual performance review process, saying the situation raised concerns about professionalism, respect and potential harassment of a public employee.

Christensen was appointed CEO of the district in 2024.

NBC Palm Springs has reached out to the district for additional comment and is still awaiting a response.