AUGUSTA –James Cassidy, chief executive officer of St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center was recently installed as chairman of the Maine Hospital Association’s Board of Directors.

Cassidy succeeds John Welsh, chief executive officer of Rumford Hospital. Welsh will continue on MHA’s Board of Directors as immediate past chairman. Cassidy will serve for one year.

“I’m pleased to have this opportunity to serve Maine’s hospital community,” Cassidy said. “Maine’s health care delivery system has many challenges to face in the immediate future. Along with my colleagues from Maine’s community hospitals, I look forward to tackling these complex and vital issues.”

Cassidy has been president and chief executive officer of Sisters of Charity Health System Inc. and of St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center since 1991. Previously, he was president of the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington.

St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center is a part of Sisters of Charity Health System in Lewiston.