Sharen Carey has dedicated her career to healthcare and community service, spending decades ensuring access to medical care in Big Sur. A physician assistant and longtime Executive Director of the Big Sur Health Center, Sharen led the organization until her retirement in January 2025, leaving a lasting impact on the region she has called home since 1984.
Her path to healthcare began in medical research, working at the Salk Institute in San Diego before continuing her studies as a Medical Technologist at Children’s Hospital San Francisco. She later spent a year at the German Cancer Research Institute in Heidelberg before returning to the U.S. to work at UC San Diego. Eventually, she pursued her physician assistant degree at USC’s Medical School, setting the stage for her life’s work in patient care.
Sharen’s connection to the Big Sur Marathon Foundation started as a participant—she’s tackled everything from the 5K to the 21-miler—but in 2019, she joined the Board of Directors, where she now plays an integral role. She serves on the Board Governance and Personnel Committees and is the chair of the Strategic Planning Committee. Alongside her husband, Hal Latta, she proudly oversees the 21-miler, ensuring a smooth and memorable experience for participants.
Though she modestly claims she’s not much of a runner, her commitment to the Big Sur running community says otherwise.
