OGDENSBURG -- Following a lengthy nationwide search Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center has a new chief executive.

Nathan Howell will take over as President and Chief Executive Officer effective Sept. 1.

“We selected Mr. Howell following an extensive national search,” said Joe Tracy, chairman of the CHMC Board of Directors. He continued, “We were looking for an individual with a strong background in leading change both operationally and clinically; we feel we’ve found that in Mr. Howell.”

Howell has served as Chief Operating Officer at Steward Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Brighton, Mass. since January of 2012.

While at St. Elizabeth’s, Howell executed an efficiency-based, turnaround that improved the hospital from a net loss of $16 million to a gain of $12 million in 2013.

He also completed major building projects in the medical center’s intensive care, oncology, and medical-surgical units, and an expansion of perioperative services.

“I am honored to have been selected by the search committee,” said Mr. Howell. “Claxton-Hepburn is a great hospital with a long history of quality, growth, and reinvestment. I am looking forward to hitting the ground running, and I am excited to begin working with our Board and my management team to plan for CHMC’s future success.”

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

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

He and his wife, Julie, have two school-age children.

“During the interview process, we spent time researching the city of Ogdensburg as well as the hospital,” Howell said. “Ogdensburg and the surrounding St. Lawrence County have so much to offer a young family. We can’t wait to get there, get settled, and get outside to the river and mountains.”

The selection process included a lengthy nationwide search following the resignation of former CEO Mark A. Webster, who accepted a position as CEO at Cortland Regional Medical Center to be closer to his family.

Webster’s resignation became official Dec. 31 2013.