RITZVILLE - Life Care Center of Ritzville has a new executive director.

Josh Hannum was named executive director of the skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility earlier this month.

Life Care Center of Ritzville is one of 17 facilities in Washington operated or managed by Life Care Centers of America. The company currently operates or manages more than 220 nursing, post-acute and Alzheimer's centers in 28 states.

Hannum is a licensed nursing home administrator with more than 15 years of health care experience, according to the company.

Before coming to Ritzville, Hannum worked at a facility in Vancouver. He served first as an environmental services director and then as assistant administrator.

Hannum began his career in long-term care as a certified nursing assistant.

"I fell in love with caring for the patients," said Hannum. "My goal as an administrator is to always provide the highest quality of care, and I am really impressed by the passion and conviction the associates at Life Care Center of Ritzville have for this mission."

Hannum is originally from Spokane.

Vice president of Life Care's Columbia Region Dieu Dinh said Hannum will bring a great passion for caring for the facility's patients and residents.

"His knowledge and great sense of community will help take Life Care Center of Ritzville to the next level of innovative health care," said Dinh.

Life Care Center of Ritzville is located at 506 S. Jackson St.