MultiCare Health System has hired a new president and chief operating officer of MultiCare Auburn Medical Center and MultiCare Covington Medical Center.

Mark Smith, JD, began work at MultiCare this week. Smith previously worked as president of Fort Hamilton Hospital, part of Kettering Health Network, a 234-bed facility in Hamilton, Ohio. His work focused on patient experience, clinical quality and partnership with providers. While there, he significantly improved patient satisfaction and quality metrics.

“Mark is an enthusiastic leader who is passionate about creating the best experience for our patients,” said Florence Chang, executive vice president and chief operating officer for MultiCare. “Mark is excited to get to know our employees, providers and our community and plans to be very visible and engaged with those inside and outside the organization. He will focus on identifying the health needs in South King County through a thoughtful listening process.”

In his role, Smith will have oversight of Auburn Medical Center and the new Covington Hospital, under construction and planned to open in 2018. He will be responsible for the growth and performance of the hospitals, provider engagement and partnership as well as community connections in the South King County market. He will report to the new senior vice president/chief executive of South Sound region, who is being recruited.

Prior to Fort Hamilton, Smith was president of Sycamore Medical Center, a 186-bed facility in Miamisburg, Ohio. His other roles include vice president of finance and operations at Green Memorial Hospital in Xenia, Ohio, and chief financial officer at Nebraska Heart Hospital. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Union College in Lincoln, Neb., and a Juris Doctorate from University of Nebraska.