The current chief operating officer at Central Peninsula Hospital will take over as chief executive officer of the facility this summer, according to a press release from the hospital.

Shaun Keef will replace outgoing CEO Rick Davis, who plans to retire June 30.

The Board of Directors at CPH determined Keef to be “highly qualified for the appointment,” the release states, and named him as Davis’ replacement at a meeting on March 31.

Keef began as the COO of the hospital in January 2018, according to the release, and has more than 27 years of experience in health care.

“I want to thank Rick for his leadership at Central Peninsula Hospital and also the Board for its confidence in me as I step into this role,” Keef said in the press release. “I am honored and excited to have the opportunity to work with our talented leadership team, medical staff and employees who are providing high quality care every day to patients in our local community and the rest of Kenai Peninsula.”

Davis gave his endorsement to Keef in the release.

“It has been an honor to serve as CEO of Central Peninsula Hospital during this period of transformation and growth, and I want to offer my sincere thanks to our employees whose hard work and dedication have allowed us to achieve so much,” Davis said. “I have worked with Shaun for several years and am confident he will be an excellent leader for CPH. I look forward to working closely together for the balance of my time to ensure a smooth transition.”

The transition takes effect on July 1.

Reach reporter Camille Botello at camille.botello@peninsulaclarion.com.