Steve Schilling, who transformed Central Valley healthcare as Clinica CEO, dead at 77
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) – Stephen Schilling turned a tiny healthcare clinic for farmworkers into one of the largest networks of nonprofit healthcare clinics in the nation – in the process, helping an untold number of downtrodden, impoverished, and underserved patients.
Over a remarkable 44 year tenure at Clinica Sierra Vista, Schilling’s passion for healthcare equity and justice touched everyone in his considerable orbit, from farmworkers and office clerks, to governors.
Schilling died Saturday night in Oregon, with his wife Deidre and two youngest children at his side. He was 77-years-old.
WATCH: Leading candidates in California US Senate race face off on debate stage tonight
The cancer he had beaten twice before returned, and Schilling died from complications associated with his most recent surgery on Dec. 4, according to his daughter, Mari Schilling Burgess.
Schilling came to Clinica Sierra Vista in 1972 as a business manager, but despite having no formal training in health care, he was appointed CEO before his 32nd birthday. Schilling transformed the once-failing operation, housed in a trailer in Weedpatch, into a network that serves tens of thousands annually.
Clinica Sierra Vista CEO Olga Meave sent a letter to Clinca employees on Monday morning, saying in part, Steve Schilling’s “ability to transform challenges into opportunities, guided by his belief in community and service, has left an enduring impact on public health in the Central Valley and beyond.”
Raji Brar became his administrative assistant at age 25. She says Schilling, just through his passion, pushed her toward a life of empathy and service.
“I think a lot of people are going to be reflecting on the role he played in their lives,” said Brar. “I think a lot of us have been thinking about that for the last 24 hours and sometimes you don’t realize the impact somebody had in your life until they’re gone.”
Emily Duran, CEO of Kern Health Systems, worked under Schilling at Clinica. In a statement to KGET she said:
“Steve Schilling was a man of vision. He built a team that did so much for our underserved population.”
San Francisco man dies in crash involving big rig on SB I-5 near Lerdo Hwy
Former Bakersfield City Councilman John Means said Schilling was a dynamic presence.
“He loved doing what he was doing and he had a passion about life, not just helping the poor,” Means said. “We’d go into a restaurant together while he’s talking to people, the owner, and the cook.”
Passionate enough to take a tour of service with the Peace Corps in Venezuela after college and to run for the State Assembly in 1976 against incumbent Bill Thomas.
His slogan was “Spice it Up With Schilling.” He lost but developed a good relationship with Thomas.
At Schilling’s request, no services will be held. Schilling leaves a wife, two grown children, two teens and a Central Valley community that should be grateful for his service.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.
