Industry veteran will oversee the 92-bed behavioral health hospital and outpatient center in Suburban Boise
BOISE, Idaho. – Oceans Healthcare, a behavioral health provider focused on healing and long-term recovery, today announced the promotion of Ernest Esparza to Chief Executive Officer of Cottonwood Creek Behavioral Hospital, a proud member of Oceans Healthcare and part of its Haven Region in Boise, Idaho. A board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse and experienced behavioral health executive, Esparza brings more than a decade of leadership experience in both clinical and operational roles
“Ernest has been a trusted leader within our organization, earning the respect of his colleagues through a strong commitment to patient care and a proven ability to inspire teams,” said Stuart Archer, Oceans Healthcare CEO. “He leads with compassion, insight and a collaborative spirit – exactly the qualities we look for in our hospital CEOs. We’re proud to elevate him into this important role.”
Esparza most recently served as Cottonwood Creek’s Chief Nursing Officer, where he led initiatives that significantly improved patient outcomes and operational efficiency. Under his leadership, the hospital launched a successful Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) program, implemented a safety-first response to the COVID-19 pandemic and has made a meaningful impact on building a strong campus-level culture through a targeted mentorship program.
“I’m honored to serve as CEO and continue building on the incredible work happening every day at Cottonwood Creek,” Esparza said. “This hospital has a deeply dedicated team, and I look forward to supporting them as we continue expanding access to quality mental health care in our community.”
Esparza holds a Master of Science in Nursing Leadership and Management and is currently completing his Master of Business Administration. He previously held leadership roles at Intermountain Hospital in Boise and Sierra Vista Hospital in Sacramento, California, where he oversaw more than 260 employees as Chief Nursing Officer. A champion of education and community engagement, Esparza partners with local nursing schools and universities to strengthen behavioral health training and workforce development.
His promotion reflects Oceans Healthcare’s continued focus on identifying and empowering strong clinical leaders to advance the organization’s mission and expand access to evidence-based care.
