Navicent Health has promoted its CIO, Omer Awan, to lead digital strategy for its recent merger with Atrium Health, the health system announced Feb. 27.
Awan will now serve as Navicent Health's chief information and digital officer.
Awan joined the Macon, Ga.-based health system as CIO in 2016 from Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems in Brewer, where he held the titles of vice president and senior regional CIO. Before his career as a hospital CIO, Awan held multiple leadership positions at Cerner.
In his new role, Awan's responsibilities will expand to include developing the digital strategy for Navicent Health's merger with Atrium Health, a Charlotte, N.C.-based health system. Under the deal, Navicent Health will become a "regional hub" of Atrium Health, as the health system expands outside of the Carolinas.
Part of Awan's focus on digital strategy will involve assessing the effectiveness of Navicent Health's information systems and considering the integration of new "disruptive" technologies, according to a news release.
Dr. Ninfa M. Saunders, president and CEO of Navicent Health, credited Awan with "elevat[ing] the profile of IT within the ranks of Navicent's executive leadership" during his tenure at the health system.
"His colleagues trust his leadership, admire his insights and cherish his partnership," Saunders said in a statement. "He is a tremendous asset to this organization, and we rely on him to carry us into the next phase of our digital strategy."
