Interim CEO Simon Ratliff was named the new leader of Northwest Health's La Porte and Starke County hospitals.

Ratliff, who has 20 years of leadership experience in the health care industry, has been the interim leader since Feb. 5.

“We are excited to officially welcome Simon to the Northwest Health team,” said Jessica Romine, chair of Northwest Health – La Porte board of trustees, in a press release. “With his strong leadership skills, knowledge of hospital operations and experience in physician recruitment, we know that the he is the right person to lead our hospitals into a rewarding future.”

Ratliff most recently was the president and CEO at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital in Pennsylvania, and also served in leadership roles in West Virginia, Arizona and Kentucky.

“Simon brings extensive experience in health care leadership and a strong strategic vision,” said Kathy Norem, chair of the Northwest Health – Starke community board of directors. “Our board looks forward to working with him, as we know he will serve our hospitals and communities well.”

Ratliff earned a Master of Business Administration from Midway University in Midway, Kentucky, and a bachelor’s degree in health care management from Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, Kentucky. He is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives and has earned the Certified Professional in Patient Safety credential, which is the highest level offered by the Institute of Healthcare Improvement.

Northwest Health has three hospitals, five emergency departments, multiple urgent care centers, outpatient surgery centers, an ambulance service and physician offices. It employs more than 3,000 people who support 700 doctors.