FARMINGTON - Gerald Cayer has been named executive vice president of Franklin Community Health Network, a comprehensive health care system serving areas of Central and Western Maine.

A native of Lewiston, Cayer has served as chief operating officer of Franklin Memorial Hospital, an FCHN affiliate, since 2005. Before starting at Franklin Memorial Hospital, Cayer served as the director of the Department of Health and Human Services for the city of Portland, a position he held for eight years. He was responsible for all health, medical and social service programs sponsored by the city of Portland.

Cayer received his bachelor's degree from the University of Maine at Farmington, and later earned his master of public health degree from Boston University. He completed the Maine Development Foundation's leadership and policy development program, which prepares statewide leaders to shape Maine's changing economy.

Cayer and his wife, Tami, have three young children.