MemorialCare is pleased to announce the appointment of Blair Kent as Chief Executive Officer of its Long Beach hospitals, Long Beach Medical Center and Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach. Kent is a senior executive with more than 20 years of healthcare leadership experience. In his most recent role, as Chief Executive Officer at Intermountain Medical Center, Kent led the largest of Intermountain Healthcare’s 33 hospitals and the largest hospital in Utah, ensuring clinical excellence and a strong commitment to the community.
“We are thrilled to have Blair in the CEO role at our Long Beach campus,” says Barry Arbuckle, Ph.D., President and CEO, MemorialCare. “Blair is an accomplished executive and proven healthcare leader. He brings a wealth of experience in leading hospitals within a large integrated health system, focusing on operations, strategy, philanthropy, physician partnerships, and employee engagement.”
Kent is driven by a core set of values and is a visionary leader with a demonstrated history of success at Intermountain. He served as the top executive for several of Intermountain’s hospitals throughout his tenure with the organization, including Chief Executive Officer of the health system’s flagship enterprise, Intermountain Medical Center.
Under Kent’s leadership, Intermountain Medical Center received numerous awards and high ratings from third-party organizations for clinical excellence. In addition, the medical center was recognized for its strong commitment to the community and its service to both insured and underinsured populations. It was also named an LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader in the National Healthcare Equality Index, earning the highest possible score of 100 points for building a culture of inclusion and equality.
“I am honored to join MemorialCare and to have the opportunity to lead these two great hospitals into their next exciting chapter,” says Kent. “MemorialCare is an innovative and nationally respected health system, and I look forward to continuing the long tradition of driving high quality care and value for our patients and our community for years to come.”
Kent succeeds John Bishop, who announced in July his intention to step down from his position. Kent’s appointment comes after an extensive search process led by the Board of Directors, key executives and physician leaders within MemorialCare.
After hours, Kent is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys fly fishing, golf, community service and family activities with his wife, children and grandchildren.