May 6, 2026
Ventura County Health Care Agency Announces New VCMC/SPH Director
VENTURA, Calif. – Ventura County Health Care Agency (HCA) today announced the appointment of Danielle Gabele, DNP, RN, as Chief Executive Officer of Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) and Santa Paula Hospital (SPH), effective May 10, 2026.
Dr. Gabele holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and serves as President-Elect of the Association of California Nurse Leaders. She is also pursuing a Master of Health Administration degree at the University of Cincinnati.
“Dr. Gabele is a proven leader with a deep commitment to patient-centered care and clinical excellence,” said [Dr. John Fankhauser, HCA Director]. “Her collaborative approach and operational expertise make her exceptionally well-suited to lead VCMC and Santa Paula Hospital into the future.”
Dr. Gabele brings extensive experience in clinical leadership and hospital operations to the role. She currently serves as Chief Nurse Executive for VCH hospitals, a position she has held for the past three and a half years. During her tenure, she has led key initiatives to strengthen patient care, support staff, and advance the health system’s mission.
Prior to joining HCA, Dr. Gabele served as Chief Nursing Officer at Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital. She began her career as an intensive care unit nurse at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and spent approximately 15 years advancing through leadership roles in hospital management and operations.
“I am so excited to have this opportunity. It is a privilege to step into this role and continue working alongside such dedicated teams,” said Dr. Gabele. “Together, we will focus on advancing quality, strengthening access to care, and fostering an environment where our staff can thrive as we meet the evolving needs of our community. There has been such great work done over the last years, and I look forward to continuing our vision for healthy communities into the future,” said Dr. Gabele.
Known for her collaborative leadership style and strong focus on quality and clinical care, Dr. Gabele is well-positioned to guide both hospitals through their next phase of growth and innovation.
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