The CEO of Great Plains Regional Medical Center has resigned.

The resignation of Greg Nielsen was announced yesterday.

According to Great Plains Regional Medical Center Board President David Pederson, Mel McNea, Great Plains chief operating officer, will serve as interim CEO while a national search is conducted for a permanent CEO.

“Greg’s commitment to Great Plains during the past five years has been appreciated,” said Pederson.

During his leadership, the cardiovascular program, bariatric surgery and wound healing centers were developed and the system embarked on the construction of a new patient tower. Great Plains became more regionally focused and experienced a period of unprecedented growth, said Pederson.

“Great Plains is an exceptional organization that is positioned well for the future,” said Nielsen.  “Their success is a direct result of the great people who make up the organization — the board, administration, medical staff, employees and volunteers.  I am proud to have been part of the Great Plains journey and look forward to watching the progress continue in the future.”

“With a continued focus on patient care and service growth, our health system is headed in the right direction,” said Pederson.  “We fully expect that the high level of patient care and consistent growth will continue.”

Nielsen became CEO in 2009 after serving as interim director for a year.

No details were given on the reason for Nielsen’s departure.