LEWISTON – The St. Mary’s Health System Board of Directors has named Lee Myles, FACHE, as the next chief executive officer of St. Mary’s Health System and St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center.

As part of a planned transition process, Myles was named hospital CEO in 2006 while Jim Cassidy remained system CEO. In June 2010, Cassidy will step down and Myles will become responsible for all services provided by St. Mary’s Health System.

“Leadership succession planning has been a positive experience for St. Mary’s,” said board Chairwoman Sharon Millett. “Appointment of Lee in 2006 as CEO of the hospital has allowed us to watch his excellent leadership, and we’ve been immensely pleased with the results. Lee and the system’s CEO, Jim Cassidy, have been a very strong team. It is our expectation that this succession plan will provide for a smooth and seamless transition – moving from one pair of capable hands to another.”

Myles has been with St. Mary’s for more than 15 years. Prior to his role as hospital CEO, he was responsible for day-to-day management of the medical center as chief operating officer.

He is involved in professional and civic organizations. He is a graduate of The College of the Holy Cross and George Washington University.

He is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and has served on committees and boards of the Maine Hospital Association, Maine Hospital Licensing Review Board, Community Dental, and the St. Boniface Haiti Foundation, among others.

David R. Lincoln, president/CEO of St. Mary’s parent company, Covenant Health Systems, said Myles’ successes are well earned. “I have worked with Lee for over 15 years and have seen his dedication to St. Mary’s mission, the careful way he responds to community needs, the deliberate nature of his decision-making, and his commitment to quality, and patient- and family-centered care. He has been a valuable member of our team, and we look forward to the continued benefits of his many talents and strengths as he moves into his new role at St. Mary’s.”

When Myles takes the helm of St. Mary’s Health System, Cassidy will move to a supporting role within the system.

Millet said, “Jim Cassidy is a valuable and integral part of the St. Mary’s family. Not only did he oversee expansion of the hospital with the additions of the Women’s Health Pavilion, Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, and the Center for Sleep Disorders, among others, but he provided a foundation for a healthier community for years to come. He was an essential contributor to the Maple Street Housing Complex, where low income families could attain the dream of owning a home. It was also his foresight to address the escalating obesity problem by turning a vacant school into the Nutrition Center of Maine, a place where valuable community programs could join together in a location central to the population in need. It is our good fortune that he will continue to share his dedication, expertise, and institutional knowledge with us.”