Deaconess Hospital has appointed Maurine Cate as its new CEO. She's expected to start in January.

Cate currently is CEO of McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center, in Springfield, Ore., where she has served as CEO since 2007. Community Health Systems Inc., the big, for-profit Franklin, Tenn.-based hospital operator, owns both McKenzie-Willamette and Deaconess.

Deaconess, which is located at 800 W. Fifth and is licensed for 388 beds, is part of the Spokane-based Rockwood Health System. That system also includes Valley Hospital, which is located at 12606 E. Mission, and Rockwood Clinic, which provides primary, urgent, and specialty care services.

Dr. Greg Jones, Deaconess Hospital's chief of staff, says in a press release, "We're thrilled to have such an experienced, dynamic professional to lead this next era of growth for Deaconess and Rockwood Health System."

In 2011, CHS recognized Cate with an Outstanding Achievement Award for commitment to quality health care and operational excellence. The following year, the Springfield Chamber of Commerce named Cate as its Businessperson of the Year.

Cate succeeds Bill Gilbert, who left Deaconess in April after accepting a corporate position with CHS.