The North Valley Hospital Board of Directors has selected Chris Thomas to serve as its new chief executive.

Thomas has served for the last three years as chief operating officer of the hospital.

She replaces Tate Kreitinger who assumed the role of interim CEO at North Valley along with his duties serving as CEO of The HeathCenter at Kalispell Regional Healthcare. Kreitinger took on the role after Jason Spring last June stepped down as CEO at the Whitefish hospital and moved into a new role with Kalispell Regional Healthcare.

The board of directors recognized Thomas in a press release Thursday saying she has provided exemplary leadership as chief operating officer of the hospital over the last three years, while maintaining a focus on the unique values and culture of North Valley Hospital.

“The board is thankful for Tate's leadership over the past year,” said Steve Stahlberg, board chairman, said in a prepared release. “By appointing Ms. Thomas to this full-time leadership role, the board establishes a strong commitment to the staff at North Valley Hospital and the greater Whitefish community that North Valley Hospital will continue providing high quality patient-centered care.”