Jeff Thompson, MD, will step down from his role as CEO of La Crosse, Wis.-based Gundersen Health this year after 14 years.
Dr. Thompson will remain at Gundersen as the search committee begins the process of selecting the next CEO.
"The timing is right for Gundersen, right for the community and right for me personally," Mr. Thompson said. "I have talked to our governing boards and senior leadership, and we think now is a good time to make this important transition."
Dr. Thompson has been with the Gundersen system for 30 years, including six years spent as executive vice president. He is board certified in pediatric critical care, neonatal and perinatal medicine, and pediatrics.
During his tenure, Gundersen has received honors for patient care and quality measures, including Healthgrades America's 50 Best Award™ for 2014 and the Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence seven years in a row. Dr. Thompson has also led Gundersen through other significant changes, including the systemwide EHR implementation and achieving the first days of energy independence.