By JIMMY LAWTON

OGDENSBURG -- Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center’s new chief executive officer says he plans be active in the community as well as at the hospital.

Nathan Howell was selected by the CHMC board of directors in July and has been on the job for only a few weeks. He replaces Mark A. Webster who accepted a position as CEO at Cortland Regional Medical Center to be closer to his family.

Although he is still settling in, Howell said his vision for the hospital includes expansion of primary care and collaboration with other medical centers, but he also plans to be a part of the Ogdensburg community.

Howell came to Ogdensburg from Steward Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Brighton, Mass., where he worked as chief operating officer since January of 2012.

Howell said grew up in rural Maine. He said his wife Julie and two children Caleb and Virginia are also excited to be in a small community.

“One of the reasons we came here is because it felt right.” He said. “It’s very similar to where I am from.”

Howell said that he plans to take an active role in the community, which he said will benefit his family, area residents and the hospital.

Howell said that in a city like Ogdensburg, a few small businesses can really contribute the economy and he sees room for growth.

“Looking around you can just see where there is room for more businesses,” he said.

Howell said his reception so far has been welcoming.

“The community has been great to us. We’ve received gift baskets and everyone has been very friendly.

Howell said his children are attending Kennedy Elementary School where they have also been embraced.

Howell said he was lucky to come to Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center, because the hospital has remained financial strong despite tough economic times and rising costs in the health care industry.

“It’s great facility with strong management and a strong board of directors,” he said.

Howell said he expects CHMC to remain a key player in St. Lawrence County’s health care system well into the future.

Prior to his work at St. Elizabeth’s, Howell held leadership positions at Easton Hospital in Easton, Penn., Midwest Regional Medical Center in Midwest City, Okla., and at Crossgates River Oaks Hospital in Brandon, Miss. At each facility, he completed projects expanding clinical services, improving operational efficiencies, and improving patient satisfaction.

His education background includes a Masters of Business Administration from Cornell University in 2006, and a Bachelor of Arts from Colby College in 1996.