Jay Christensen is stepping down as CEO of Mahaska Health Partnership, effective immediately.

Christensen led the Hospital as CEO for 18 years. He was involved in several building and expansion projects, including the Hospice Serenity House, the clinic addition and the new Patient Care Wing, opened in 2013, which houses Inpatient Services, Surgical Services and the Birthing Center.

“The Board of Trustees is appreciative of Jay’s many years of service, but believes this change is in the best interest of the hospital,” said MHP Board of Trustees Chair David Langkamp. “Given the rapidly changing healthcare landscape, the Board decided a change in leadership now will put MHP in the best position moving forward to continue to serve the healthcare needs of Mahaska County and the surrounding communities.”

“The Senior Team Leaders are working together with other leadership during this time of transition at MHP,” Langkamp said. “They, along with the MHP Board of Trustees, are confident that MHP will move forward and become an even stronger healthcare organization.

“We are continuing our efforts at physician recruitment and remain focused on providing high quality patient care to the communities we serve.”