Modesto's Community Hospice chooses new leader

MODESTO -- A Mississippi woman has been hired to replace the retiring leader of Modesto-based Community Hospice.

C. DeSha McLeod will take over July 1 as president and chief executive officer for Harold Peterson III, who will leave after 17 years.

McLeod has more than 25 years of hospice and business experience. Her most recent role has been as the chief operating officer at Camellia Home Health and Hospice in Hattiesburg, Miss., where she oversaw the founding and continued operation of 14 hospice branches in Louisiana, Mississippi and Georgia.

"Her experience and results-oriented approach, along with her compassionate character, will play a pivotal role as we extend our excellent care to more families in need," said hospice board member Ross W. Lee.

Since 1979, Community Hospice has provided comfort and care for terminally ill patients and their families, regardless of ability to pay. It provides bereavement and grief support to anyone in the community.

To learn more, call (209) 578-6300 or visit www.hospiceheart.org.