Dr. John Dornan, a former regional chief of staff and department head, has been chosen as the new chief executive officer of the Horizon Health Network.

Health Minister Dorothy Shephard said “Dr. Dornan has 35 years of experience in the provincial health-care system, having held several positions in leadership, educational and front-line activities. His skills, abilities and competencies will ensure the Horizon Health Network will continue to deliver high-quality health-care services to residents.”

Dornan had been serving as interim CEO of the regional health authority since Karen McGrath retired last year.

Dornan has a master’s degree in business administration and holds Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada fellowships in internal medicine, and endocrinology and metabolism.

Shephard said Dornan’s selection was the result of an open and transparent national search. Last fall the Department of Health used an executive search firm to help find a new CEO for the Horizon Health Network.