MultiCare Health System announced today that David Nicewonger will lead MultiCare Auburn Medical Center and become the chief operating officer when MultiCare completes the purchase of the hospital and facility assets of Auburn Regional Medical Center on Oct. 1.
This will be the top leadership role at the hospital.
Nicewonger has served as the administrator of the MultiCare Regional Cancer Center for the last eight years. In that role, he has focused on improving the patient experience through updated equipment and an expansion of services.
“David is a respected leader who inspires his team to put patients first and to continue to look for ways to advance our care. He’s the right person to lead the transition at Auburn and to share our mission and values with the community,” said Diane Cecchettini, RN, President and CEO of MultiCare Health System. “We are very excited to expand the services we offer in South King County this fall.”
Nicewonger holds an MBA from City University with a health administration emphasis. His career has focused on patient-centered care and safety, innovation and entrepreneurship. During his time leading the MultiCare Regional Cancer Center, the organization was recognized by the Association of Community Cancer Centers with the 2011 Innovation Award for improving the patient experience.
The Association of Community Cancer Centers Innovation Award honors programs that exhibit forward–thinking strategic planning and develop pioneering programs and tools. Nicewonger is a former Auburn resident who plans to move back to the city.
This fall, MultiCare Auburn Medical Center will become part of MultiCare’s integrated not-for-profit health care system, which includes Tacoma General Hospital, Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital & Health Center, Allenmore Hospital, Good Samaritan Hospital and numerous outpatient clinics and specialty centers.
In South King County, MultiCare operates a network of Primary Care, Specialty Care and Urgent Care clinics in Auburn, Kent, Covington and Maple Valley, as well as the new Emergency Department that opened in April at the MultiCare Covington Medical Center. MultiCare also has plans to build a hospital in Covington.
