The LaPorte Regional Health System (LRHS) Board of Directors has named G. Thor Thordarson President and CEO.

Thordarson has been serving in dual capacity as Interim President/CEO and Vice President of Corporate Operations since March 1. He joined LRHS in June 2008.

“At a time when the economy and health care reform are throwing curves at the health care system nationally and locally, Thor has guided the health system and Executive Team of LRHS with solid leadership, and strong strategic and critical actions that are ultimately helping the organization succeed in fulfilling its mission. We are pleased to have him as our new President and CEO,” said Robert Korfmann, chairman, LRHS Board of Directors.

Connie Ford, vice president of Human Resources and Support Services of LRHS, said, “Through its Strategic Plan and in our every day actions, LRHS strives to hire and retain Best People for our patients, visitors and all those we serve. Thor has proven to be an excellent addition to our LRHS family and we are excited to work with him in his new role.”

Since Thordarson began leading on an interim basis, he has worked with the Executive Team to reach out to the LRHS family in new ways. The Executive Team resurrected Executive Rounding, whereby they visit hospital departments to interact with and give staff the opportunity to ask questions. Under Thor’s leadership, the Executive Team also consistently held all-employee meetings, and extended this education to the community with State of LRHS presentations to help the community understand how a health system operates in today’s economy. Thor also led the team through exciting strategic developments, including the acquisition and expansion of Woodland Wellness and Rehabilitation and Starke Memorial Hospital, to name a few.

“Since I arrived at LRHS more than a year ago, I have been impressed with the organization’s commitment to caring for the community. I believe LRHS is a leader in education, prevention and patient care, and I am proud to be part of an organization that has such a solid reputation in Northwest Indiana. I look forward to working with everyone to accomplish great things and enhance the quality of healthcare locally,” Thordarson said.

Thordarson, a LaPorte resident, previously worked as a health care administrator of multi-specialty ambulatory surgery centers and an endoscopy center. He was the president of two health care management consulting firms, and prior to that, was senior consultant on a number of operational strategic and financial consulting projects with a variety of health care clients throughout the Midwest and eastern United States. Earlier in his career, Thordarson worked as a staff nurse on a peripheral vascular floor. He received his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Andrews University and a Master in Business Administration from Kent State University.