David "Jax" Kelly, JD, MPH, MBA
Candidate for Desert Healthcare District & Foundation Board of Directors — Zone 1
Meet Jax
Jax Kelly brings experience in finance, law, public health, nonprofit leadership, and community service. He holds a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in finance, and his 15 years in banking inform how he approaches budgets, contracts, long-term commitments, and the stewardship of public resources.As the leader of two health nonprofits and through service in multiple public board and advisory roles, Jax has focused on whether systems reach the people they are intended to serve.His approach to public service is straightforward: prepare carefully, listen to the community, ask thoughtful questions, and follow public dollars through to results. Jax is running to bring that preparation, independence, and accountability to the Desert Healthcare District.
Jax's Priorities
Independent Oversight of Desert Regional
Hold Tenet accountable and protect the public’s interest throughout the lease-purchase agreement.
Plan and Lead for the Future
Support the five-year strategic plan, begin a 15- to 20-year planning conversation, and hire an effective CEO to implement it.
Make Every Public Dollar Count
Bring financial discipline to grants, investments, contracts, and the District’s long-term commitments.
Advocate for a Health System That Reaches People
Continue the Advocacy Committee’s work and strengthen coordination so residents can reach the care they need.
Independent Oversight of Desert Regional
Jax supports active, independent oversight of Tenet Healthcare’s operation of Desert Regional Medical Center and its compliance with the new lease-purchase agreement.The voter-approved agreement runs from 2027 through 2057 and provides for nearly $650 million in payments to the District, beginning with a $100 million payment in 2027. The hospital will transfer to Tenet at the conclusion of the agreement.Jax respects the decision voters made. He also believes approval of the agreement was not the end of the District’s responsibility. The board must monitor compliance, understand the hospital’s performance, protect the public interest, and ask independent questions when concerns arise.Review the District’s lease-purchase agreement information
Plan and Lead for the Future
Jax supports the District’s five-year strategic plan and its emphasis on workforce development, awareness and access, community engagement, and data and technology to support better decision-making.He also supports beginning a public discussion about a 15- to 20-year framework. A five-year plan can guide the District’s immediate work, but a 30-year lease-purchase agreement requires the board to consider how the District’s finances, responsibilities, partnerships, and community priorities may change over a much longer period.Long-range planning should help the board prepare for future lease payments, changing healthcare needs, emerging risks, and opportunities to make lasting investments in the Coachella Valley.Successful implementation will also require a strong and effective CEO who can lead staff, translate the board’s direction into action, and keep the District focused on its mission.Review the District’s 2027–2031 Strategic Plan
Make Every Public Dollar Count
Success cannot be measured simply by how much money the District distributes. Grants and investments should respond to documented community needs, establish clear goals, produce measurable results, and help effective services become sustainable.Jax will ask who benefits, what changes, how success will be measured, and whether the investment strengthens the community’s capacity over time.Review the District’s grantmaking information
Build a Health System That Reaches People
Jax believes people experience healthcare as one system, even when services are divided among hospitals, clinics, public agencies, and community organizations. Too often, individuals are left to navigate those divisions on their own.Drawing on his experience in public health, aging policy, and nonprofit leadership, Jax will work to strengthen coordination and build effective partnerships. He will keep attention on gaps in access, workforce capacity, behavioral health, aging, and other community needs, while asking whether the District’s efforts are reaching the people they were intended to serve.Explore the District’s healthcare initiatives
Prepared to Serve
Jax brings an unusual combination of experience in finance, law, public health, nonprofit leadership, aging policy, and community service.His business background equips him to examine budgets, financial commitments, and long-term sustainability. His legal training informs his approach to contracts, governance, oversight, and conflicts of interest. His public-health work keeps the focus on population needs, access, equity, and measurable outcomes.As a Trustee and Treasurer of the Palm Springs Public Library Board, Jax took seriously the board’s fiduciary responsibility for public and entrusted assets. He met with the City Treasurer to understand how the library’s approximately $2 million endowment was accounted for and whether it was receiving the income due to it. He then reported his findings to the board.Today, Jax is:* Founder, President and CEO of the Aging and HIV Institute
* President of Let’s Kick ASS Palm Springs (AIDS Survivor Syndrome)
* A member of the Riverside County Advisory Council on Aging
* Co-Chair of the California Department of Aging’s Equity Advisory Committee on Aging and DisabilityJax chose not simply to live in Palm Springs, but to become part of the community. If elected, he will come prepared, listen carefully, ask good questions, keep an open mind, and work to make every public dollar count.Read Jax’s Full Backgrounder
Support Jax's Campaign
Your contribution will help Jax reach Zone 1 voters and build a campaign focused on effective, accountable stewardship of our community’s healthcare resources.
Contributions by checkPlease make checks payable to:Jax Kelly for Desert Healthcare District
District 1 2026Mail to:
1775 E Palm Cyn Dr
STE 110-164
Palm Springs, CA 92264For contributions totaling $100 or more, please include your full legal name, residential street address, occupation, and employer. If self-employed, include the name of your business. If retired or not employed, please indicate that status.
Contributions must be made from the contributor’s own funds and may not be reimbursed by another person or entity. Contributions from foreign nationals are prohibited. Contributions are not tax-deductible.
Paid for by Jax Kelly for Desert Healthcare District District 1 2026
FPPC ID # 1495327