Andalusia Regional Hospital announced today that John C. Yanes has been appointed its new chief executive officer (CEO), effective March 2, 2015. Yanes will replace Steve Selzer, who has served as interim CEO of ARH since March 2014.

“We are delighted to welcome John to Andalusia Regional Hospital. He brings more than 25 years of experience in managing community hospitals and health systems to this role, and I’m confident he’s the right person to lead the hospital into the future,” said Brad Owens, chief operating officer of LifePoint Hospitals’ Western Group, of which ARH is a part. “We are grateful to Steve for his interim leadership and helping ensure a smooth transition, and to the Board and committee involved in the search process and selection of John as the right candidate.”

Yanes comes to ARH from Select Specialty Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, a 152-bed flagship hospital and 24-bed acute care specialty hospital, where he served as CEO since 2012. During his tenure, Yanes successfully implemented electronic health records at the hospital, expanded services and access to specialty care through strategic alliances with regional providers, improved employee engagement, and developed the medical staff through targeted recruitment activities.

Prior to Select Specialty Hospital, Yanes was president and CEO of OhioHealth’s O’Bleness Health System in Athens, Ohio. He previously served in executive leadership positions for various hospitals within the Community Health System and Quorum Health Resources networks.

Yanes began his career in Florida as an administrator and executive director for clinics and health networks in Jacksonville, Daytona Beach and Pompano Beach. He earned a master’s degree in health science and a master’s degree in business administration from University of Florida in Gainesville, where he also earned his bachelor’s degree. Yanes is a fellow of the American College of Health Care Executives.

“John has an impressive background leading community hospitals and specialty facilities of various sizes, and he has achieved great successes developing local services and strategically identifying areas of growth,” said the Rev. Dr. Cynthia Carter Howard, chair of the ARH Board of Trustees. “He shares our hospital’s commitment to quality care and service for our local community. I’m eager to welcome him to Andalusia.”

Yanes and his wife, Cheryl, have three children and look forward to becoming involved in the Andalusia community.