Providence Humboldt County release:

Providence St. Joseph Hospital and Providence Redwood Memorial Hospital are pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Keleman as the new chief executive. Keleman started his new role on January 22.

Keleman will be responsible for overseeing the hospitals’ operational effectiveness and performance, and will report to Garry Olney, chief executive for Providence in Northern California. In his new role, Keleman will lead the hospitals’ efforts to maintain and improve clinical excellence, and to provide the best possible care to patients on the North Coast.

According to Olney, Keleman stood out for his distinguished career and his deep commitment to serving the community.

“We are thrilled to welcome Michael to Providence in Humboldt County,” said Olney. “I believe Michael will be an outstanding addition to our hospitals in Humboldt and the communities we serve.”

Prior to joining Providence in Humboldt County, Keleman was the chief operating officer of Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center in San Luis Obispo. He previously served as the chief strategy officer for Tenet Health Central Coast, where he focused on developing an integrated network of services to provide convenient access and high-quality care for the residents of San Luis Obispo County.

“Garry and I share a commitment to high-quality care and service excellence, and I’m excited to join the team at Providence St. Joseph Hospital and Providence Redwood Memorial Hospital,” said Keleman. “The legacies of the sisters of Providence and sisters of St. Joseph are profound, and I feel privileged to join an organization that works tirelessly to deliver on our mission to serve those most in need.”

Keleman earned his bachelor’s degree from UC Davis in kinesiology and a master’s degree in health care administration from the University of Southern California.

Dr. Ranjit Hundal, who served as the interim chief executive prior to Keleman’s arrival, will return to his role as chief medical officer at Providence St. Joseph Hospital and Providence Redwood Memorial Hospital.