The Board of Directors of FirstHealth of the Carolinas has selected David J Kilarski as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of FirstHealth of the Carolinas.

Kilarski (55) is currently the president and CEO for two health system hospitals in Ohio within the Cleveland Clinic Health System: South Pointe Hospital in Warrensville Heights and Marymount Hospital and Marymount Health Care Systems in Garfield Heights. He has more than 20 years of health executive experience including leadership roles in community hospitals, academic medical centers and multi-hospital systems. Prior to moving into an executive level position in 1989, Mr. Kilarski served in Pharmacy leadership positions for hospitals in Illinois and Texas.

According to FirstHealth Board Chair Alex Bowness, Kilarski will join FirstHealth on November 1, succeeding current CEO Charles T. Frock who is retiring.

“We were able to attract a top-notch group of candidates because of FirstHealth’s reputation and the organization’s success under the leadership of Chuck Frock,” said Bowness. “Our outstanding physicians, the dedicated staff and volunteers, including support of the Foundation and the entire community were also key in making this opportunity attractive.”

Kilarski was instrumental in leading two Cleveland Clinic hospitals to achieve national recognition in his role as president and chief executive officer. While at the Cleveland Clinic, Kilarski had responsibility for health system hospitals with combined net operating revenue of $330 million and 2,500 FTEs

“Dave was the unanimous choice for the CEO position,” said Bowness. “Dave’s extensive experience made him an ideal candidate to lead FirstHealth in our ever-changing and challenging healthcare environment.”

“He has a proven track record building trust and teamwork among leadership, working well with employed and partner physicians, improving operating margins, increasing employee satisfaction and ensuring each patient receives the highest level of quality of care,” adds Bowness. “The board is confident he has the vision and passion to take FirstHealth to the next level in delivering the best patient care.”

“I see a bright future for FirstHealth of the Carolinas, said Dave Kilarski. “The organization has positioned itself throughout the years as an innovative quality health system. The physicians I had the opportunity to meet were first class and interested in working together to continue to bring superior medical care to the community.”

Kilarski earned his Master of Science from Ohio State University and he received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois. Kilarski began his career at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Illinois. Kilarski is also a Fellow of the American College of Health Care Executives.

“As a seasoned executive, Kilarski brings not only impressive experience, but also a new and energizing vision to FirstHealth,” said Walter Morris, M.D. with Pinehurst Medical Clinic. “His extensive experience and operational management in community hospitals and academic hospitals will add to the strong foundation already in place at FirstHealth. The Board clearly made an excellent choice and reaffirms FirstHealth’s commitment to health care excellence.”

Kilarski and his wife Teri are excited about relocating to North Carolina and are looking forward to living in the Sandhills.