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Keith A. Hovan Named President &
CEO of Southcoast Hospitals Group

Keith A. Hovan, a seasoned health care executive and clinician, has been named President & Chief Executive Officer of Southcoast Hospitals Group. Hovan will join Southcoast on July 1.

“Keith Hovan has distinguished himself as a premiere leader in health care with a keen insight, high energy and an unwavering determination to provide the best patient care and the finest patient experience,” said John B. Day, President & CEO of Southcoast Health System.

Hovan will replace Ronald B. Goodspeed, MD, MPH, who is retiring from the position. Dr. Goodspeed will remain with Southcoast Health System in an executive capacity until October.

“I was attracted to this opportunity because Southcoast is a three-hospital system with a regional plan for delivering the services the community needs,” Hovan said. “Southcoast has a history of developing tertiary services selectively at its sites so that people don’t have to leave their community to get the care they need.”

Hovan, who began his career in health care as a clinician, also said Southcoast’s focus on putting the patient first and providing quality care added to the organization’s appeal.

“My clinical experience has ingrained in me the importance of always putting the patient first and allowing quality and safety to drive the agenda,” he said. “Having walked in the shoes of those who treat our patients every day helps me relate to the people who provide care and understand the issues and roadblocks to delivering quality care.”

While at Danbury Hospital, Hovan was responsible for leading the development of that health system’s center of excellence strategy. He built effective relationships with key community stakeholders, including physicians and community, business and government leaders.

“Keith Hovan has shown he can forge successful and lasting relationships with physicians, staff and the community,” said Gilbert Shapiro, MD, a Southcoast physician, Chair of the Board of Trustees of Southcoast Health System and a member of the Search Committee. “He is extremely skilled at helping groups with competing interests see the big picture and build a winwin relationship that ultimately benefits patients.”