Maurine Cate has been named the new CEO of Deaconess Hospital, effective Aug. 4, after having earlier put on hold her initial acceptance of the job.

Cate has served as CEO of 113-bed McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center, in Springfield, Ore., since 2007.

“I am honored to support the skilled, compassionate physicians and employees at Deaconess Hospital,” Cate said in a press release issued by the hospital. “I share their dedication to delivering high quality patient care and look forward to working together in service to the community.”

Cate had accepted the position of CEO at Deaconess Hospital last year, but reconsidered those plans, remaining at McKenzie-Willamette to complete planning and launching a number of significant projects. The hospital recently announced an $80 million expansion project that commenced with renovation of the hospital’s obstetrics unit.

“Maurine’s reputation for innovative leadership is due to her ability to build relationships with physicians, identify opportunities for growth and strengthen patient care,” said Tim Lawlor, Deaconess’ board chairman, in the press release. “Her expertise will certainly help us further develop how we serve the Spokane community.”

In addition to planning the current work to expand the Oregon hospital, she made enhancements to cardiovascular and emergency services, including the recent opening of McKenzie Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation and the emergency room’s successful 30-minutes-or-less service pledge. To support these services and others, she worked closely with medical staff and recruited 63 physicians to the area. Prior to her current role, she was CEO of a 420-bed hospital in the Los Angeles area.

“Maurine shares with the medical staff the belief that high quality care should always be the top priority,” said Dr. Vann Schaffner, Deaconess’ chief of staff, in the press release. “Ultimately, our patients will benefit the most from her experience in improving care outcomes.” 

Under Cate’s leadership, McKenzie-Willamette earned recognition as a Top Performer on Key Quality Measures by The Joint Commission for three consecutive years and a 50 Physician-Owned Hospitals to Know listing by Becker’s Hospital Review. It also garnered a Pillar of the Community Award from the Springfield Chamber of Commerce.

Deaconess Hospital is a licensed 388-bed, acute care hospital accredited by the Joint Commission. It’s a Level III Trauma Center, a Certified Chest Pain Center, Accredited Primary Stroke Center and Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence.

 In 2013, it achieved certification by the Joint Commission for its hip and knee replacement program. 

The hospital is a full-service facility that treats heart and vascular diseases and cancer, and operates a maternal fetal medicine program and Level III neonatal intensive care unit, as well as specialty programs such as hyperbarics. It’s part of the Rockwood Health System, which also includes Valley Hospital and Rockwood Clinic.