E.W. Tibbs, former CEO of Centra Health, has been announced as the new CEO and president of Sparrow Health System located in Lansing, Michigan, according to a news release from Sparrow.

Sparrow is considered the largest health care provider and employer in the mid-Michigan area, according to the release.

Tibbs, the release cited, “will assume overall leadership and strategic direction of Sparrow, continuing its commitment to providing high quality, cost-effective, and compassionate care and building on the organization’s more than 122 years of service to its patients and communities.”

Dennis Swan, the former CEO of Sparrow, announced his retirement in the spring of this year, according to the release.

Centra Health, based in Lynchburg, operates Centra Southside Community Hospital, as well as the Centra Medical Group facility and Centra PACE, all located in the Town of Farmville.

Tibbs, according to the release, was identified as the top candidate for the post following “an extensive national search conducted by executive search firm Witt/Kieffer which specializes in health care and life sciences.”

“It is an honor and privilege to be named the next President and CEO at Sparrow Health System and make mid-Michigan my home,” Tibbs said in the release. “I look forward to learning from, working closely with, and supporting each Sparrow Caregiver, Physician, Volunteer and Board Member as we care for our friends, families and neighbors and strive to continue the tradition of providing an unmatched positive patient experience. I also can’t wait to become an active member of the community and region.”

Tibbs tendered his resignation to the Centra Board of Directors Thursday, Sept. 27. Tibbs was appointed president and CEO of the health care system in 2013. Tibbs, prior to being named CEO of Centra Health, was the CEO of Centra Southside Community Hospital in Farmville from 2011 to 2013.

The Centra Board of Directors named Michael Elliott, Centra’s Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, as the interim CEO.

Diane Ludwig with Centra Health commented Wednesday on Tibbs’ appointment at Sparrow.

“E.W. was a tremendous asset to Centra, and we wish him well in this next chapter of his career,” Ludwig said.

Lugwig said that Centra is conducting a national search, “and hope to have a new CEO in place by the summer of 2019.”