Erik Wexler, chief executive for Tenet Healthcare’s Northeast Region, has been named senior vice president and chief executive of Providence Health & Services, Southern California, one of the Southland’s largest health care systems.

Wexler will join the Catholic not-for-profit Providence May 2, taking the reins of a regional organization anchored by six-award winning hospitals, numerous outpatient centers and programs, two large physician groups and Providence High School.

He also will work closely with St. Joseph Health of Orange County as Providence and St. Joseph pursue their proposal to create a combined new organization. A selection committee headed by Mike Butler, president of operations and services for Renton, Wash.-based Providence, interviewed candidates from across the nation in their search for a new regional chief executive.

“Though we had many excellent candidates, Erik was the clear choice because of his experience serving large, diverse and dynamic communities and leading organizations toward the future of health care. He also is known for building strong relationships with employees, physicians, the community and other key audiences,” Butler said. “We are committed to serving more people in Southern California, especially the poor and vulnerable, and Erik’s leadership style and experience are just what we need to lead this effort on behalf of our Los Angeles communities.”

Wexler spent five years with Tenet, most recently as chief executive for Tenet’s Northeast Region where he oversaw operations in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Illinois. The region includes two academic medical centers, two tertiary care teaching hospitals, five community acute care hospitals, two health plans, 16 residency programs, more than 12,000 employees, more than 700 employed physicians and $2.2 billion in net revenue.

“I am truly delighted and honored to join Providence Southern California,” Wexler said. “Everyone I have met with Providence – from caregivers and leaders to physicians and directors – has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to delivering the very best in health and wellness, especially to the poor and vulnerable. I look forward to working alongside of my new colleagues to further our Mission and build relationships in the community.”

Wexler replaces Karl Carrier, who came out of retirement two years ago to serve as interim chief executive for Providence Southern California.

Providence Southern California has approximately 13,000 employees – called caregivers – and more than 3,500 physicians on staff. Providence provides comprehensive quality and compassionate care from pre-natal to end of life, offering specialties including cardiology, neurology, oncology, orthopedics, neonatal intensive care, women’s services, pediatrics, emergency and trauma care, among others. In 2015, Providence Southern California contributed $169 million in charity care and community programs to serve vulnerable populations.

Before joining Tenet, Wexler worked for Vanguard Health Systems, and prior to that was senior vice president of LifeBridge Health System. He earned bachelor’s degree in sociology and master’s in business administration from the University of Hartford in Connecticut.

Wexler said he and his wife Stephanie are outdoor enthusiasts and look forward to relocating to Southern California.