The interim chief of River Region Health System was elevated to the job on a permanent basis this week. 

Gregory Pearson was named chief executive officer for its facilities, according to a news release from the hospital. Pearson had been interim chief since former CEO Doug Sills was appointed market chief for Community Health Systems Jackson area hospitals. CHS is the River Region’s parent company.

Pearson, a Houma, La. native, was chief financial officer for St. Joseph Medical Center in Houston before joining River Region in March 2013.

“I am truly excited about leading our outstanding physicians and employees of River Region Health System as they provide quality healthcare to our community,” Pearson said in a statement. “I look forward to building lasting relationships and positively contributing to the Warren County community. These are exciting times for River Region as we forge new partnerships with our sister hospitals in the Jackson market, and I am happy to be given the opportunity to be a part of it.”

In January, the hospital’s parent entity, Community Health Systems, acquired Health Management Associates in a $7.6 billion sale. The deal added six facilities between Vicksburg and Jackson to CHS’ footprint — Central Mississippi Medical Center, Medical Associates of Vicksburg, River Oaks Hospital, Crossgates River Oaks, Woman’s Hospital and Madison River Oaks Medical Center.