YANKTON, S.D. (WNAX) – Doug Ekeren, President and CEO of Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton has been selected as the Interim Regional President and CEO of Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell.

He will succeed Tom Clark, who was recently named the Chief Strategy and Growth Officer for Avera Health. Clark will assume that role July 12, at which time Ekeren will begin his interim role in Mitchell.

Ekeren says it is not a merger of the hospital administrations.

Ekeren says he anticipates spending time in Mitchell, especially early on.

Ekeren has been President of Avera Sacred Heart since 2014.