CHILLICOTHE, Ohio (WCMH) – In continuing efforts to reshape and strengthening its business operations, Adena Health has announced the appointment of a new president.

According to a news release, Adena Medical Group has hired Brooke Burns as president, effective July 28. The release said Burns, “will lead a diverse team of physicians and advanced practice providers delivering primary and specialty services across Adena Health’s nine-county service area.”

Burns, who earned a master’s degree in healthcare administration from Ohio State University graduate, spent nearly eight years with Adena Health System, and served roles such as a Regional Site Director, System Director of Primary Care, Service Line Director of Oncology Care, and Executive Vice President (2019-2022). Most recently she served as the Chief Operating Officer at Orthopedic One.

The move comes soon after Adena Health recently joined an initiative called the Ohio High Value Network, which includes 26 rural hospitals in improving healthcare to smaller communities in lower populated areas.

Adena Health has also been under scrutiny for investigations into doctors whose patients died under their care. Two cardiac surgeons were fired after and heart surgeries were suspended in 2023 after patients died at the Adena Regional Medical Center in Chillicothe.

In 2024 it was determined thet the hospital system did not meet the standards of a top healthcare accreditation organization, and it was denied accreditation in credentialing by the National Committee for Quality Assistance, a non-profit organization that bills itself as a top healthcare accreditation organization.

According to the NCQA’s website, only three other medical organizations in the country have been denied this type of credentialing at that time.

In February, an investigation was opened into a former Adena Health System doctor due to alleged medical mistakes made during three surgeries he performed while employed there. Watch previous coverage in the player above.

As NBC4 has previously reported, Adena is also being sued in federal court. An unsealed court filing alleged Adena knowingly submitted false and fraudulent claims for payment to Medicaid and other government reimbursement programs totaling millions of dollars.

Today’s news release states that Burns’ hire “reinforces Adena’s ongoing commitment to operational excellence and that she will be tasked with leading, “the strategic direction of the Adena Medical Group with a focus on operational sustainability, provider satisfaction, and clinical service expansion. She will also play a vital role in advancing system-wide initiatives aimed at improving quality, expanding patient access, optimizing provider performance, and introducing new approaches to care.”