Dignity Health Woodland Memorial Hospital is pleased to announce the appointment of Kara Estenson as its new chief nursing executive/chief operating officer. Estenson replaces Lesley Wininger who has served in the interim role since May 2024.

Estenson comes directly to Woodland Memorial from Adventist Health Sonora where she served as Chief Nursing Officer and Patient Care Executive since 2020. In that role, she oversaw the pharmacy, oncology, surgical services, emergency and ICU departments, among others.

“I am thrilled to join the exceptional team at Woodland Memorial Hospital and contribute to the outstanding care this hospital is known for in Yolo County,” said Estenson, Woodland Memorial Hospital’s new Chief Nursing Executive/Chief Operating Officer. “Together, we will continue to advance care, support our dedicated staff, and make a lasting impact on the health of our community.”

Prior to Adventist Health Sonora, KEstenson was the Chief Nursing Officer at Palmdale Regional Medical Center. She has previously served as Chief Nursing Executive at Southwest General Hospital (Steward Healthcare) in San Antonio, Director of the Emergency Department at Kaiser in Redwood City and Renown Medical Center in Reno and Critical Care Services Director at Kaiser Foundation Hospital in Walnut Creek.

“We are delighted to welcome Kara as our new Chief Nursing Executive and Chief Operating Officer,” said Gena Bravo, President and CEO at Woodland Memorial Hospital. “Her passion for patient-centered care, commitment to excellence, and strong leadership will be invaluable as we continue to elevate the care we provide now and into the future.”

Estenson earned her Bachelor of Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing at the University of Phoenix, as well as her Doctor of Nursing Practice-Executive Leadership from American Sentential College in Denver.