Meet Jesse Seibel, One of Our Teammates Shaping Mission-Based Healthcare at Adventist Health

Jesse Seibel, Mission and Administrative Executive for Adventist Health Castle, 6 years with Adventist Health

Jesse Seibel leads the teams at Adventist Health Castle that provide the essential, nonclinical expertise needed to keep a hospital running. When his teams are doing their jobs well, nobody notices — the lights are on, meals are warm, equipment is where it should be, IT is running smoothly. He also leads the teams engaging with community partners focused on social determinants of health, such as the unhoused, food distribution, at-risk youth and workforce programs.

“I knew hospitals were a place where people came when they were sick, but the big paradigm shift for me was that Castle is the place where people come to make a difference,” says Jesse. “Our calling is to keep people healthy and empower them to love and serve. That is at the heart of Adventist Health.”

What is your best habit?

Being curious. I love hearing a person’s story or big ideas, how someone got into their career, what drives them, who was the biggest influence on their life. If I can find out what inspires them, then I can make sure they’re in the best place to do their best work.

Who has had the biggest influence on your life?

My grandfather, Emil Seibel. By the time I came around he had retired from teaching. Starting in elementary school, I worked on his construction jobs every summer. He taught me about working with people, the importance of character, getting things done, and being proud of your work.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Having God in your life is more, not less. There is a fallacy that when you’re following Jesus you’re giving up on opportunities, on adventure, on things your heart really desires. I found out God was actually offering me more.

Do you have a favorite book or podcast?

The Gospel of John is a go-to for me. If you handed someone that Gospel bound by itself, it would be read in one sitting and it would change their life. I’ve seen it happen.

What do you do when you’re creatively stuck?

I used to write at least one sermon every week. My mantra was, “When you can’t write one, go live one.” So I do something I’m scared to do, or I immerse myself in creation. There’s a burden when I think I’m responsible for more than I have, when the truth is, so much has already been given to us. We must be available to receive it. The discipline for me is getting started early, maximizing the time to be available.

Why do you choose to work in healthcare?

I see in healthcare a clear example of the ministry of Jesus. I see an opportunity for me to live out my faith and connect with my community in ways that are not just authentic and meaningful, but impactful.

What motivates you?

I’m motivated by the idea that we could be the best hospital in the nation and we could also be empty because our community is so healthy. There is tension when pushing both of those ideals at the same time, but that’s an organization I want to work for and a community I want to live in.

What gives you hope?

I have hope when I’m shoulder to shoulder with people who are faithfully responding to God’s call to care for others, doing selfless, courageous work.

Explore opportunities to join the Adventist Health team at AdventistHealth.org/careers.

Read more inspiring stories about the Adventist Health team:
Meet Adam Lee
Meet Chris Hagen
Meet Haley Pacholec
Meet Jasmin Huila Flores
Meet Larry Hamilton
Meet Selene Castilla
Terry Johnsson