The board of FirstHealth of the Carolinas has selected David J. Kilarski as the new CEO of the Pinehurst-based health system.

Kilarski, 55, is currently the president and CEO for two health system hospitals in Ohio within the Cleveland Clinic Health System, according to a news release. He has more than 20 years of health executive experience, including leadership roles in community hospitals, academic medical centers and multi-hospital systems.

Prior to moving into an executive level position in 1989, Mr. Kilarski served in pharmacy leadership positions for hospitals in Illinois and Texas.

Kilarski will assume his new job at FirstHealth on Nov. 1, succeeding current CEO Charles T. Frock, who is retiring.

“We were able to attract a top-notch group of candidates because of FirstHealth’s reputation and the organization’s success under the leadership of Chuck Frock,” said FirstHealth Board Chairman Alex Bowness. “Our outstanding physicians, the dedicated staff and volunteers, including support of the Foundation and the entire community, were also key in making this opportunity attractive.”

Kilarski was instrumental in leading two Cleveland Clinic hospitals to achieve national recognition in his role as president and CEO, the FirstHealth news release said. While at the Cleveland Clinic, Kilarski had responsibility for health system hospitals with combined net operating revenue of $330 million.

“Dave was the unanimous choice for the CEO position,” Bowness said. “Dave’s extensive experience made him an ideal candidate to lead FirstHealth in our ever-changing and challenging health care environment.

“He has a proven track record building trust and teamwork among leadership, working well with employed and partner physicians, improving operating margins, increasing employee satisfaction and ensuring each patient receives the highest level of quality of care The board is confident he has the vision and passion to take FirstHealth to the next level in delivering the best patient care.”

Kilarski said he sees a bright future for FirstHealth.

“The organization has positioned itself throughout the years as an innovative quality health system," he said. "The physicians I had the opportunity to meet were first class and interested in working together to continue to bring superior medical care to the community.”