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WILKES-BARRE — Wilkes-Barre General Hospital CEO Cornelio Catena is leaving that job for a position with the hospital’s parent company Commonwealth Health. He will become the for-profit company’s “chief development officers” according to a media release.

“It has been an honor to work with the physicians and employees of Wilkes-Barre General Hospital and I’m so proud of our many accomplishments, especially those that have advanced the care we provide for patients,” Catena said in the release. “Our community has access to more services today than ever thanks to the skill and compassion of our medical staff and employees. After 40 years in daily operations, I’m looking forward to focusing on strategic initiatives to benefit the entire Commonwealth Health network.”

The new job means Catena “will work with the leadership teams of the Commonwealth Health hospitals and medical groups to make connections with potential business partners, insurers and government agencies to identify growth opportunities and execute on strategic plans to enhance the market,” according to the release.

Catena became General’s CEO in 2009, and oversaw considerable expansion and additions during his tenure. The release notes the hospital built a new, $50 million emergency department and cardiovascular institute, and a new $39 million critical care tower.

A search committee will begin to look for a new CEO “immediately,” the release said.

Reach Mark Guydish at 570-991-6112 or on Twitter @TLMarkGuydish