Integris Health in Oklahoma has chosen Timothy Pehrson as its next CEO. Pehrson most recently served as Intermountain Healthcare's regional vice president and vice president of continuous improvement. He officially starts Aug. 1.
Pehrson was chosen after a national search following the retirement of Bruce Lawrence, who served as CEO of the Oklahoma City-based system since 2010.
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Chris Hammes led the system on an interim basis since late last year.
During Lawrence's tenure, Integris Health Partners, which includes 1,200 physicians, grew into Oklahoma's largest clinically integrated network. He also led efforts to make Integris the state's only Mayo Clinic Care Network member.
Pehrson's accomplishments as Intermountain's North Region leader include market dominance over a five-hospital region in Utah and Idaho. As vice president of continuous improvement, Pehrson drove "caregiver engagement and strong performance in safety, quality, patient experience, access, caregiver engagement, costs and growth," according to a news release.
"Tim distinguished himself throughout the interview process with his impeccable record of accomplishment, an impressive understanding of not only today's healthcare industry and its challenges, but more importantly his insights into areas of opportunity for sustainability, affordability and even greater success," said Integris Health board chairman Pete Delaney.
Pehrson earlier worked for United Healthcare, Samaritan Health and Henry Ford Health System.
