Executive Moves

Duluth, Minn.-based Essentia Health has appointed Gratia Pitcher, MD, as chief medical officer after serving in an interim capacity since October. 

Dave Estorge is the permanent COO of St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson, Miss., part of Baton Rouge, La.-based Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System.

Valdosta, Ga.-based SGMC Health has promoted Cherise Giddens, BSN, RN, from her current role as vice president of clinical nursing to vice president and chief nursing officer. 

Valdosta, Ga.-based SGMC Health, a four-hospital system, has appointed Jessica Busque as director of medical staff services and Julie Blodgett as director of physician recruitment. 

Matt Untch has been named interim CFO of Excelsior Springs, Mo.-based Excelsior Springs Hospital, the Excelsior Springs Standard reported Dec. 12.

WVU Medicine, based in Morgantown, W.V., has promoted seven executives across its enterprise. 

Lydia Hendrix is the new chief operating officer of UF Health St. John's in St. Augustine, Fla. 

Houston-based Texas Children's has tapped three new division chiefs in the department of pediatrics. 

Farmington. N.M.-based San Juan Regional Medical Center has named Ruth Brooks chief operating officer. 

Orlando (Fla.) Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital appointed Jessica Glover assistant vice president and COO, effective Dec. 1.