The president of North Mississippi Medical Center-Tupelo is leaving the job he has held since mid-July.

Tim Moore said he'll become the new president and CEO of the Mississippi Hospital Association in the next few weeks. The group represents more than 100 healthcare organizations, and the leader often deals with the governor and lawmakers.

Moore, 48, told the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal that he's happy with his job in Tupelo but sees the association job as a way to have a lasting impact on healthcare for the entire state.

"I'm looking forward to the challenges and opportunities, and we have plenty of both," he said.

Hospital association spokeswoman Shawn Rossi said Moore will succeed Sam Cameron, who's preparing for retirement and will be president emeritus of the group until June.

WTVA-TV reports that Moore joined North Mississippi Health Services in April 2012 as vice president of community hospitals. The Forest native previously worked for Rush Health Systems in Meridian and Greenwood-Leflore Hospital and was administrator of North Mississippi Medical Center-West Point.

North Mississippi Medical Center-Tupelo will begin a search for a new president.