(KAIR)--A Winchester native, with what a release calls "extensive experience in healthcare leadership," has been appointed to the position of Chief Executive Officer of Amberwell Health.

Selected to fill the position, by the Amberwell Health Board of Directors, is Jared Abel, who, the release says "served in executive roles at LMH Health in Lawrence, Kansas and the VA Eastern Kansas Health Care System, most recently serving as Senior Vice President of Operations and Physician Enterprise at LMH Health, where he led all aspects of the health system's employed physician practice and key ancillary departments. Prior to that, he held roles of increasing responsibility at the VA Eastern Kansas Health Care System, including Interim Associate Director and Assistant Director.

According to the release, issued Thursday by Amberwell, the current organizational structure will continue for Amberwell affiliates, with Abel leading Amberwell Health, including the administration teams at both Amberwell Atchison and Amberwell Hiawatha.

Abel, in the release, says he's "honored to be selected" for the role, adding that "as a native of this region, [he understands] the critical importance of maintaining high-quality healthcare for local communities," adding that he looks "forward to working closely with the exceptional team at Amberwell to build upon the organization's legacy of service and innovation."

Abel, who was raised in Winchester, recently purchased a farm in the area where he will reside with his wife and children.

Amberwell Board Chair Larry Mears, in the release, says the board is "thrilled to welcome Jared to Atchison," adding that Abel's "deep roots in the region and proven track record in healthcare make him an ideal fit to lead Amberwell Health" as the board continues its mission of ensuring what Mears calls "robust local healthcare access for our communities."

Current CEO Jeff Perry announced his resignation earlier this year, with the release saying he will continue in the role until the transition is effective in June.