The Kishwaukee Health System is known locally for its dedicated medical staff, value-based organization, and solid leadership.

Members of the KHS Council have elected a new leader to help the health system maintain its standing in the community.

evin Poorten of Brentwood, Tenn., has been named the new president and CEO of the Kishwaukee Health System, replacing interim CEO Robert Jackson of DeKalb.

“I’m very excited about this new position as CEO of the Kishwaukee Health System,” Poorten said. “I was surprised and glad I was chosen for this position, as the selection process was pretty thorough.”

James Lankford, chairman of the KHSC, is excited that Poorten accepted this position.

“Poorten has extensive health system experience and is very intelligent and knowledgeable about health care issues,” Lankford said.

Poorten was approved for the position Sept. 23 following a nation-wide search.

Poorten’s initial objective when he officially begins work Nov. 1, is to assess and evaluate the current status of the KHS facilities and staff.

One of Poorten’s goals for KHS is to look at opportunities for expansion in personnel and technology for its facilities.

“The KHSC board has done a very good job keeping things together and organized,” Poorten said. “They have a well laid-out plan ready that will implement the KHS with up-to-date facilities and technologies.”

“The search committee was impressed with his outgoing personality and involvement in the community,” Lankford said.

Poorten recently was the regional vice president of Province Healthcare in Brentwood, Tenn., which is in charge of seven hospitals in four states.

He has been the CEO of Page Hospital and Havasu Regional Medical Center in Arizona.

Poorten also has been past president of United Way and the American Heart Association.

He holds a Master’s degree in health services administration from Arizona State University, and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Marquette University.

Kishwaukee Community Hospital is part of the Kishwaukee Health System. The system includes medical facilities in DeKalb, Sycamore, Sandwich in DeKalb County and Hampshire in Kane County.