Randy Lennartz has been named chief executive officer at Highland District Hospital, the hospital’s board of governors announced Thursday.

Lennartz had been serving as interim president and CEO since late March when the hospital board announced that Jim Baer, who had served as president and CEO since 2009, decided he would not return from a medical leave.

Lennartz has served as the vice president of finance at HDH since 2010.

He brings with him a wealth of knowledge of the health care industry, according to a hospital news release.

A search committee the hospital board established to find Baer’s replacement interviewed the candidates and made a recommendation to the board to approve Lennartz as the new CEO for HDH. The board met on April 27 and agreed that Lennartz is a highly qualified individual and has shown a strong track record for leadership within the organization and in the community, the news release said.

Lennartz is a certified public accountant and has worked in the health care industry for over 30 years. He served as senior vice president and chief financial officer at Upper Valley Medical Center in Troy for 22 years prior to joining HDH.

He and his wife of 34 years, Elaine, reside at Rocky Fork Lake. They have two sons, three daughters and two granddaughters. Lennartz grew up in St. Marys and received his bachelor of science degree from Bowling Green State University and a master of business administration degree from the University of Dayton.

“Randy Lennartz has a strong background in hospital operations, finance and strategic planning,” said Barbara Yochum, the HDH Board president. “These experiences, along with his proven leadership, ensure that Highland District Hospital will continue to provide high quality care to our community. As we move forward we are confident that Randy is the right person to lead the organization.”

Baer stepped down to focus on his health and family after being diagnosed with recurring Hodgkins Lymphoma, a form of cancer that affects the body’s immune system.

“The board and Jim Baer have provided great leadership and direction for Highland District Hospital,” Lennartz said. “I am excited to work with the board, medical staff, hospital employees and the community to continue this success and provide excellent health care to our family and friends in Highland County.”