CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia Hospital Association President and CEO Jim Kaufman has announced he’s stepping down.

Kaufman, who was named to the position in 2020, helped lead the association and its member hospitals through the covid pandemic. He’s also been known for his advocacy on behalf of hospitals to state lawmakers and the state’s congressional delegation.

The WVHA Board of Trustees has named Hospital Association Vice President Tony Gregory as interim president and CEO.

“Tony’s extensive experience, strong relationships with our members and policymakers, and longstanding commitment to WVHA make him exceptionally qualified to lead the Association during this transition,” WVHA Board Chair Dr. David Hess said in a news release. “The Board is fully engaged in the transition and has tremendous confidence in the future of the West Virginia Hospital Association. WVHA is a strong organization with an important mission and a Board comprised of healthcare leaders across our state who are committed to its continued success.”

The WVHA said it will partner with a national firm to conduct a search for the next president and CEO.