River Region Medical Center has moved its chief operating officer to fill the chief executive slot vacated by its recently promoted former CEO. 

Gregory Pearson was appointed this week to the position of interim CEO. Pearson replaces Doug Sills, first appointed in 2010 and named in April by the hospital’s parent company as market CEO for its hospitals in the Jackson area. A release from the hospital on Tuesday did not specify whether the move would become permanent.

Pearson is from Houma, La., and has 13 years in healthcare management. Prior to joining River Region in March 2013, he was chief financial officer for St. Joseph Medical Center in Houston.

“River Region has outstanding physicians, excellent technology and a terrific staff dedicated to offering quality healthcare to our community,” Pearson said in a statement. “I am truly excited about the opportunity to lead such a great organization.”

Pearson will also fill Sills’ position on the Vicksburg Warren County Chamber of Commerce board of directors.