The board of directors of the North Sonoma County Healthcare District opted to appoint George Protos, currently head of human resources for the district, as interim chief executive officer.
Protos will begin the role on January 1, 2013. He is currently the head of human resources for the district, which includes the 43-bed Healdsburg District Hospital where he has worked since 2005.
But his appointment is a temporary one; he will serve as CEO until the board selects a permanent CEO, "a move anticipated in the next six to eight weeks," according to an article in the North Bay Business Journal.
The board of directors has conducted 18 initial interviews from 70 applications received, seeking to replace former CEO Evan Rayner. Mr. Rayner stepped down from his role in October, following six and a half years as CEO.
Patch reported in July of this year that the North Sonoma County Healthcare District, which oversees Healdsburg Distict Hospital and other healthcare facilities in Windsor and Geyserville, was found to be clear of any apparent conflict of interest issues in a Bay Area-wide investigation of healthcare entities by the Bay Citizen.
In a message to Healdsburg Patch, Portos said, "It’s an honor to be asked to lead this healing place that is so dear and important to our community."
Protos is a Vietnam-era Veteran who served in the U.S. Air Force from 1971 to 1975. Prior to joining Healdsburg District Hospital in 2005, his career spanned high technology, financial services and healthcare areas.
E.J. Neil, Chair of the District Board of Directors, said “Mr. Protos has the full trust and confidence of the Board to provide continuity and leadership during this transitional period.”
Healdsburg District Hospital is owned and operated by North Sonoma County Healthcare District, a taxpayer supported California Healthcare District serving the people of Windsor, Healdsburg, Geyserville, Cloverdale and surrounding areas. The District has operated the hospital since April 1, 2002.
