New MultiCare CEO takes helm

William G. “Bill” Robertson begins his tenure today as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of Tacoma-based MultiCare Health System.

“MultiCare is a wonderful organization with strong values and a bright future,” Robertson said. “I am excited to get to know our employees, physicians, volunteers and community partners.”

Robertson replaces longtime CEO Diane Cecchettini, who announced her retirement last fall. He plans to spend the coming weeks visiting MultiCare locations and learning about the organization and the communities it serves.

“Joining MultiCare and the South Sound community is a privilege, and my wife and I are excited to be making this area our new home,” Robertson said.

Since 2000, Robertson has served as President and CEO at Adventist HealthCare Inc. based in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Prior to Adventist, Robertson served as CEO of Shawnee Mission Medical Center near Kansas City, Kan.

The appointment follows a comprehensive, national search by a Search Committee of the Board that began last fall.

“We are delighted that Bill is joining our organization. He is a high-caliber leader who will further advance MultiCare’s mission of providing quality health care to the communities we serve,” said John Folsom, member of the MultiCare Health System Board of Directors and co-chair of the CEO search committee. “These are challenging times in health care, but we believe we have found a strong leader who will guide MultiCare through the changes ahead. Bill Robertson brings an impressive record of stewardship, community involvement and innovation to MultiCare.”

MultiCare is a not-for-profit, locally based health care system comprising four adult hospitals, one pediatric hospital and a network of primary, specialty and urgent care clinics. MultiCare is the largest private employer in Pierce County and one of the largest health systems in the South Sound.

MultiCare Health System is governed by a volunteer board of community leaders.