Peach Tree CEO says he'll retire

Three years after he came out of retirement to head up Peach Tree Healthcare, Chief Executive Officer Tom Walther is making plans to step down again, with his retirement effective Jan. 2, 2012.

In a brief written announcement to staff and colleagues this week, Walther said he was looking ahead with his wife Robin to travel, golf and continue serving the community.

Walther credited those receiving the message for helping Peach Tree, a not-for-profit organization, further meet its mission to provide health care to an underserved population.

"I am immensely proud of what you have done to make this happen," he said in the message. Walther was out of the office and could not be reached for further comment Wednesday.

Since Walther took the helm at Peach Tree in June 2008, the organization has extended its services to local residents, such as expanding its Linda clinic last year and more recently, taking over operations of Sutter County's outpatient health clinic.

Doing so cut the county's costs and freed up resources to address chronic health issues, according to the county.

Supervisor Jim Whiteaker said Walther was a point man in bringing the county and Peach Tree together.

"Tom in his initial presentation laid out how the county and Peach Tree would co-exist," Whiteaker said, adding Peach Tree's not-for-profit status helps it tap resources the county can't.

Walther also helped make the transition easier for county employees who were switched over to the clinic under Peach Tree, Whiteaker said. "There was no disruption whatsoever," he said.

Peach Tree also operates an immediate care clinic in Marysville and a medical clinic in Live Oak, as well as dental vans in Yuba and Sutter County.

Before Peach Tree, Walther served as Sutter North Medical Foundation's chief operating officer for 16 years, retiring in June 2007. When he came out of retirement, he said Peach Tree's mandate to provide medical service to underserved communities made the organization appealing to him.

His retirement announcement mentioned he planned to remain a member of boards and committees where it was appropriate.

CONTACT reporter Ben van der Meer at 749-4786.