ILWACO, Wash. – Merry-Ann Keane, MSN, RNC, FACHE, has accepted the position of Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Ocean Beach Hospital and Medical Clinics (OBHMC), the community-owned health services provider for South Pacific County. The announcement was made today by the Board of Commissioners of Public Hospital District 3 of Pacific County.

“After a thorough search and vetting process, Merry-Ann was our top pick,” said Nancy Gorshe, OBHMC Board Chair. “She has excellent healthcare management experience, hands-on medical provider experience, and is an advocate for advancements in rural healthcare.

“We are thrilled to have a proven leader of Merry-Ann’s stature assume this executive position.”

In her new role, Keane will focus on enhancing patient care services, expanding community health initiatives, and driving forward OBHMC’s strategic goals, while fostering a collaborative environment among staff, patients, and the community to ensure that OBHMC remains at the forefront of rural healthcare. She will also drive important and necessary facility expansions and improvements including the capital projects funded by the $10 million bond initiative.

“I am honored to join Ocean Beach Hospital and Medical Clinics and look forward to working with the talented and dedicated team here,” said Keane. “Together, we will continue to build on the hospital’s strong foundation and strive to meet the evolving healthcare needs of our community.”

Keane, whose start date is September 16, brings Chief Executive Officer experience to her new post, serving as CEO at both Newport Hospital & Health Services in Newport, Wash., and Banner Health Platte County Memorial Hospital in Wheatland, Wyoming, where she held the dual position of CEO and Chief Nursing Officer. Prior to that, she served as Chief Administrative Officer/Director of Clinical Services at PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center, Friday Harbor, Wash. Having started her nurse career in British Columbia, she advanced to clinical instructor and nurse educator in maternity, health services manager, nurse manager, and on to administrator/CEO positions. She brings the expertise of 32 years of experience in the healthcare industry to her new post.

Keane earned her Master of Science in Nursing Leadership from the University of British Columbia; a Neonatal Nursing Specialty Certification, a Perinatal Nursing Specialty Certification, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the British Columbia Institute of Technology; and a Diploma of Nursing from Mount Royal College.

Keane is the incoming chair of the Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA) Rural Hospital Committee, chair of the WSHA Rural Hospital OB Subcommittee, and is a Board Member of both The Rural Health Enterprise and The Rural Collaborative, of which OBHMC is a founding and current member.

“Merry-Ann is eager to join OBHMC and is committed to making it a great place for staff to work and for patients to receive high-quality care,” said Larry Cohen, MSHSM, Interim CEO, OBHMC. “Please join me in welcoming her!”

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