LEWISTON — Central Maine Healthcare went outside the company — and the state — to find its next president and CEO.

The Central Maine Healthcare board of directors on Wednesday named Jeff Brickman as the group’s next president and chief executive officer.

“Following a thorough search and interview process, the board unanimously endorsed Jeff Brickman as the next president and CEO of Central Maine Healthcare,” said Deborah Dunlap Avasthi, chairwoman of the Central Maine Healthcare board of directors. “Jeff’s extensive experience in complex health care environments and his commitment to quality and patient satisfaction compliments the goals of our organization.”

Brickman arrives at Central Maine Healthcare after serving as a group president at Centura Health in Englewood, Colo., where he led the Mountains and North Denver Operating Group, as well as president/CEO of St. Anthony Hospital. Centura Health, a not-for-profit, faith-based health care organization comprised of 17 hospitals in Colorado and western Kansas, is the largest health system in its region.

As group president of the largest division of Centura Health, Brickman oversaw the strategic and operational planning for the region’s integrated health care delivery system. This network includes eight hospitals, two of which are contract-managed critical access hospitals, as well as an extensive ambulatory footprint and a comprehensive range of outpatient services, including post-acute care facilities.

Prior to joining Centura Health, Brickman was system senior vice president of Provena Health and the regional CEO of two hospitals and an ambulatory network in Joliet, Ill. He also served as the executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Meridian Health System in Wall, N.J.

Brickman earned a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences at the University of Connecticut, and a master’s in business administration with an emphasis in health care administration from Temple University in Philadelphia. He is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, and also serves on numerous other civic and professional groups.

He and his wife, Elaine, a registered nurse, have three grown children.

“We look forward to Jeff’s leadership to advance the organization to the next level in a very dynamic industry and enthusiastically welcome Jeff and his wife Elaine to the Central Maine Medical Family,” Avasthi said.

Brickman succeeds President and CEO Peter E. Chalke, who announced his retirement in January. Chalke has served in that role since 2002, and has been with Central Maine Healthcare for 33 years.

Brickman will join CMH on Sept. 19. Chalke has agreed to continue in his current role through that time, and will remain involved in a number of community initiatives in the coming year.

“I am confident that the board has made an excellent choice … as the next president and CEO,” Chalke said. “His depth of experience and vision are congruent with the strategic direction of this organization. I look forward to assisting with Jeff’s transition to Central Maine Healthcare and this community.”