Josh Luke, Ph.D., FACHE, NHA
CEO
Dr. Josh Luke, FACHE, NHA was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the North Kern South Tulare Hospital District in August 2023. Luke previously served as the CEO of four acute hospitals in California and Nevada, and as Adjunct Faculty for the University of Southern California Sol Price School of Public Policy, designing coursework specific to healthcare reform initiatives. Luke is also a licensed skilled nursing home administrator and preceptor and has experience managing acute rehab hospitals, home health, hospice, non-medical home care, and assisted living (RCFE facilities). Luke was born and raised in California, has been married for 25 years and has three adult children. He loves the outdoors and can be found fishing the rivers and lakes of the Sierra Nevada on weekends and after hours.
Christal Martinez
District Executive Director
Christal Martinez, a native of Kern County, born and raised with deep family ties to Delano, CA, currently holds the position of Executive Director at North Kern South Tulare Hospital District (‘NKSTHD”). Drawing on over 7 years of experience in the public sector, she has excelled in several leadership roles before assuming her current role in 2021.
Having grown up in Kern County, Martinez has a profound understanding of the community’s needs. Her commitment extends beyond her professional duties, as she tirelessly works to improve compliance, boost staffing levels, and enhance resources within NKSTHD, thereby benefiting the communities served by the facilities.
In addition to her professional achievements, Martinez’s passion lies in creating a warm, secure, and compassionate environment for the residents and families of Delano District Skilled Nursing Facility. Her dedication also extends to the hardworking staff who play a crucial role in fulfilling the mission of providing exceptional care and support to all patients of the Gloria Nelson Center.