Apr. 11—Lovelace Health System on Tuesday announced the appointment of a new CEO and president in David Schultz, a longtime leader in the health care sector.

Schultz replaces former lead executive Janelle Raborn, who announced her retirement late last year. He begins in his new role on April 17, Lovelace said in a news release. He will oversee the health system's five acute care hospitals and 30 care sites across New Mexico.

"Lovelace has a long and proud history of providing high-quality care and expanding services to meet local needs," he said. "I am honored to join the Lovelace family at such an important time in health care and look forward to partnering with our teams as we continue to evolve to deliver care where and how people need it."

Schultz, who has more than 25 years of experience in leading hospital and physician group operations, most recently served as the senior vice president of operations and service lines for Tacoma-based Virginia Mason Franciscan Health — a health system with 11 hospitals and thousands of physicians and employees.

Schultz is a fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives and a graduate of the University of Texas, Lovelace said. He earned his master's degree in health care administration from Trinity University.

Dr. Vesta Sandoval, chief medical officer of Lovelace Health System, said Schultz's leadership will "help us continue to improve how we serve our community and meet the health care needs of our region."