POCATELLO — Portneuf Health announced on Thursday the appointment of Nate Carter as its new chief executive officer.

Carter had been serving as the interim CEO since August and before that had served as the chief operating officer of Portneuf Health’s Portneuf Medical Center since April 2019.

“Nate has proven himself to be an exceptional leader and has the full confidence of the board and medical community,” said Shaun Menchaca, president and CEO of Portneuf Health Trust. “His commitment to Portneuf and the Eastern Idaho community is strong, and his collaborative style makes this leadership transition seamless. Nate will continue to bring great things to our community and patients.”

During Carter’s time serving as the chief operating officer at PMC, the hospital significantly expanded its capacity and health care capabilities across the community.

Carter has helped Portneuf Health become a regional leader while enhancing relationships with nearby critical access hospitals and other rural health care partners.

Carter’s focus on leadership has helped him grow Portneuf Health’s services and sites of care, prioritizing quality while improving convenience for the community during the last five years.

“I’m truly honored to have the opportunity to continue serving this great community and continue enhancing health care across our region,” said Carter. “Portneuf is full of dedicated caregivers who prioritize serving Eastern Idaho every day. Growing up in Idaho, I am grateful for the opportunity to continue my career here, as well as raise my family in this amazing community. I am excited to continue Portneuf’s incredible progress in meeting the needs of our region and everyone we serve.”

Prior to joining Portneuf Health, Carter held senior leadership roles at the McKenzie-Williamette Medical Center in Oregon and the Easton Hospital in Pennsylvania.

Back in July, Gov. Brad Little appointed Carter to serve on the Idaho Time Sensitive Emergency System Council, a group responsible for developing and implementing a statewide network of care surrounding heart attack, stroke and trauma facilities.

Carter currently serves as the president of the Idaho chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives and works as an adjunct professor at the Idaho State University College of Business.

Carter is a graduate of Brigham Young University and earned his master’s of health care administration from the University of Minnesota.