PRMC hires new chief executive

Plains Regional Medical Center (PRMC) has hired a new hospital chief executive, Bill Priest, who started in the position on Monday, according to a news release from Presbyterian Health Services, which operates PRMC.

Priest comes to Clovis from Wisconsin, where he was president of Marshfield Medical Center in Eau Claire, overseeing the operations of a 56-bed hospital and surrounding clinic operations, the news release sated.

Priest brings more than 25 years of healthcare leadership experience to PRMC, including as Chief Administrative Officer for Mayo Clinic Health System sites throughout Minnesota, the news relsase stated.

Priest has a bachelor's degree in business management from Minnesota State University and master's degrees in exercise physiology from St. Cloud State University, Minn., and in healthcare administration from the University of Minnesota.

"We are excited to welcome Bill to the Clovis community," said Noah Knisely, vice president of regional operations for Presbyterian Healthcare Services, in the news release. "He brings a wealth of health care experience, including leading hospitals in small and rural communities."

"I am thrilled to be joining the team at Plains Regional Medical Center," Priest said in the release. "Working in rural healthcare fits perfectly with my personal values and my professional background. Health care is vital for small communities across our country."

Priest was introduced to the Curry County Commission Tuesday at the commission's regular meeting.