Officials have named a UNC Health executive to lead Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center and the health care organization's coastal region.

Ernie Bovio starts as president of the coastal region and Novant NHRMC on Jan 22, according to a news release Tuesday afternoon. Jeff Lindsay served as interim president after the departure of Shelbourn Stevens in June until Lindsay stepped down to become president and COO of UNC Health.

"During his 25-plus years as a health care executive, most recently at UNC Health, Bovio has opened new hospitals and a surgery center, improved regional access to specialty care, boosted the number of physicians and clinicians and earned quality recognitions and positive marks in patient satisfaction and team member engagement," the release stated.

Carl Armato, president and CEO of Novant Health, said in the release that he is "confident" Bovio's expertise "will be invaluable as we continue to chart the future for this growing region.”

Bovio most recently led UNC Health’s Triangle East Region, including UNC Health Rex in Raleigh and three other hospitals. He said he’s spent most of his career in fast-growing markets and is experienced balancing the need to grow services with other priorities, such as collaborating to advance health access in historically underserved areas and maintaining rural care, according to the release.

“We’re going to aspire to perform at a level, from a quality, safety and patient experience perspective, that deserves recognition as being among the best hospitals in the state and country to receive health care,” Bovio said in the release.

In his new role, Bovio will serve as leader for the Novant Health Coastal region, which includes Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center, Novant Health Pender Medical Center, Novant Health New Hanover Orthopedic Hospital and the future Novant Health Scotts Hill Medical Center, according to the release.

Mitch Lamm, chair of the Novant Health coastal board of managers, stated in the release, “We’re excited to be making progress on the future Scotts Hill Medical Center campus, and Ernie will play a pivotal role in leading planning efforts for additional investments to grow health care services locally while prioritizing quality and supporting our team members.”

Prior to his most recent position leading the UNC Health Triangle East Region, Bovio served as chief operating officer for UNC Health Rex. Previously, he served as CEO for High Point Regional Health in North Carolina and in the Austin, Texas, market for Baylor Scott & White Health, which included three hospitals.

He also served in CEO and chief operating officer roles for hospitals in Texas affiliated with Tenet Healthcare Corp. and Paracelsus Healthcare Corp. 

Bovio earned a Master of Healthcare Administration/Master of Business Administration from the University of Houston-Clear Lake and a bachelor's degree in history from Texas A&M University.