Christopher Chekouras will formally take the helm at St. Mary’s on October 5.

St. Mary’s Board Chair Craig Gunderson and Covenant Health President and CEO David Lincoln have announced that the St. Mary’s Search Committee has selected Christopher Chekouras of Shamong, New Jersey as the next President and CEO of St. Mary’s Health System.

Chekouras is currently Senior Vice President of Post-Acute and Community-Based Services at Virtua, a comprehensive southern New Jersey healthcare system with three hospitals. He will replace St. Mary’s current President and CEO  Lee Myles, who is retiring in October.

The St. Mary’s Search Committee selected Chekouras following an intensive process with multiple strong candidates. According to Gunderson, it was the breadth of Chekouras’ experience that impressed the group.

“Chris brings with him broad acute care leadership skills, including strategic planning, business development, physician and board relations, philanthropy, marketing, finance and operations,” said Gunderson. “He was an outstanding choice in our minds, not only because of his background, but also because of his proven history of achieving results through effective collaboration, transparent communication and personal accountability. He shares St. Mary’s values and we think he’ll be a great fit.”

Covenant Health President and CEO David Lincoln is equally positive about the choice. “We are pleased to have Chris join the Covenant Health leadership team,” said Lincoln. “He brings dynamic energy, leadership skills and innovative ideas that will help strengthen and grow the system. He’s mission-driven and will continue the strong faith tradition at St. Mary’s. We’ve made great strides this year, and we look forward to advancing still further with Chris at the helm.”

Chekouras, who formally begins his new role on October 5, says he looks forward to joining the St. Mary’s family. “I am humbled to be given the opportunity to join St. Mary’s Health System,” he said. “It is an honor and a privilege to become part of their team. Together, we will continue to build on the 127-year healthcare legacy of St. Mary’s and the Sisters of Charity of Saint-Hyacinthe.”

“The St. Mary’s Search Committee and I are delighted that Chris and his wife, Jennifer, will be joining the St. Mary’s community,” said Gunderson. “You can’t help but like him or feel his energy, creativity and positive approach. We are looking forward to introducing him to St. Mary’s and the larger community.”