(KMZA)--Onaga-based Community Healthcare System of Northeast Kansas has hired a new Chief Executive Officer.

Justin Boswell, CHCS Board Chairman, announced in a release that Kerry Herbine has accepted the position. Herbine will assume the role in May replacing Todd Willert who has been with CHCS since 2015.

Herbine has more than 16 years’ experience in the medical field. He has spent the last 2 1/2 years as the Chief Operating Officer for Lewis County Health System, a critical access hospital and nursing home in Lowville, New York. Previous to that, he worked for a decade as the Senior Director of Diagnostic Services for Kingman Regional Medical Center, a 235-bed community-owned facility in Kingman, Arizona. Kerry has extensive experience in strategic planning, and marketing planning and has led positive fiscal and operational changes to maximize growth in his previous roles.

“The Board of Directors and administrative and medical staff are excited about the experience and leadership skills Herbine will bring the table,” Boswell said. “We feel very fortunate to have found such a qualified candidate who we believe will be a great fit for our organization. He has a proven track record of leading positive growth with sound operational and fiscal management,” Boswell said.

Herbine earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania in Kutztown, PA., and his Master- in Healthcare Administration from Oklahoma State University in Tulsa, OK. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE).

Herbine and his wife Jenise have four children.