Lefteris has served as UCI Health's COO since December 2018.
UCI Health's search for a new CEO ended Thursday with the announcement that current COO Chad T. Lefteris has been picked to lead the Orange County-based health system.
His appointment was approved this week by the University of California Board of Regents.
"With the vast spread of COVID-19, this is a pivotal time for healthcare in our state and nation," Lefteris said in a media release." I will prioritize the health of our community and the safety and well-being of our physicians, nurses and staff as we work together to get through this pandemic. It's a privilege to work with all of the outstanding physicians, nurses and staff at UCI Health – they are truly heroes."
Lefteris has served as UCI Health's COO since December 2018. His new post puts him in charge of the entire UCI Health system, which includes UCI Medical Center, an academic medical center, and more than a dozen outpatient research and specialty care venues in Orange and Riverside County.
"After a nationwide search, the search committee identified the ideal candidate within our own ranks," Steve Goldstein, MD, UCO Health's vice chancellor for health affairs, said in a media release.
"Chad brings years of experience and a natural ability to build relationships. I have all the faith and confidence that Chad will lead UCI Health through this COVID-19 crisis. He’s the right person to ensure that our frontline caregivers have the tools and resources they need to continue providing care for our community during these trying times," Goldstein said.
Before joining UCI Health, Lefteris was vice president of operations at UNC REX Healthcare in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Lefteris said the continued focus of UCI Health under his tenure will be meeting the needs of the region's patients.
"While we’re at the forefront of providing complex care and cutting-edge research, we also have a prominent role in providing primary and specialty care in all corners of the community," he said.
Editor's note: This story was updated on April 8, 2020.
“With the vast spread of COVID-19, this is a pivotal time for healthcare in our state and nation.”
Chad T. Lefteris, CEO, UCI Health
John Commins is the news editor for HealthLeaders.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Lefteris's appointment was approved this week by the University of California Board of Regents.
His new post puts him in charge of the entire UCI Health system, which includes UCI Medical Center, and more than a dozen outpatient care venues in Orange and Riverside County.