New Hanover Regional Medical Center has hired Leelee Thames as chief value officer, according to a news release.

Thames, who has experience as a chief medical officer and medical director of large health care systems and health insurance plans, began her role in May. Officials said she will work with government agencies and insurance companies to help NHRMC patients receive preventative and post-discharge care.

Thames is a board-certified anesthesiologist who most recently held the role of national chief medical officer for the health plans of the Steward Health Care Network, which includes 36 hospitals, stated the release. She also has experience as a medical director for a health plan based in Portland, Oregon.

She earned a bachelor’s degree at Baylor University, a medical degree from Texas A&M University and her physician executive MBA from the University of Tennessee.

“NHRMC is doing our part to ensure every community member in our seven-county region receives the information and resources they need to achieve excellent health,” said Philip Brown, chief physician executive, in the release. “Dr. Thames will help guide these strategies that will positively impact our residents.”