MITCHELL, S.D.(KMIT)- Avera Queen of Peace announced today that Doug Ekeren has been named the regional president and CEO of Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell.  Ekeren will also continue his work as regional president and CEO of Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton.  He had served in Mitchell at Avera Queen of Peace on an interim basis.

Ekeren says his role will not change much from what it was when the interim label was in place.

He says it will be a cost-saving measure for Avera.

Ekeren plans on being in Mitchell two days a week and in Yankton two days a week.