David C. Herman, MD, an eye specialist, has begun his new role as CEO of Duluth, Minn.-based Essentia Health, a 17-hospital system, according to Duluth News Tribune.
In addition to serving as the system's chief leader, Dr. Herman plans to see Essentia patients as an ophthalmologist.
Dr. Herman has more than 20 years of experience in healthcare leadership positions. According to the report, he most recently served as president and CEO of Pinetops, N.C.-based Vidant Health where he oversaw eight hospitals, 70 clinics, 12,000 employees and $1.5 billion in net operating revenues. Before that, he was a professor of ophthalmology from 1988 to 2011.
Essentia's most recent CEO, Peter Person, remains with the system as emeritus CEO until June 30.