MARQUETTE — The NorthCare Network Governing Board recently announced that Dr. Timothy Kangas was recently hired as the new chief executive officer. Kangas replaces William Slavin, who retired on Dec. 14.

In his new role, Kangas will be responsible for the strategic planning, direction and management of all NorthCare Network operations. NorthCare Network is a prepaid inpatient health plan, or PIHP, for the Upper Peninsula region responsible for the management of the Medicaid Managed Specialty Supports and Services Concurrent 1915 (b)/(c) Waiver Program, the Healthy Michigan Program and substance use disorder community grant programs under contract with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. NorthCare Network’s mission is to ensure that every eligible recipient receives quality specialty mental health and substance use disorder services and supports through the responsible management of regional resources.

Kangas served as the chief operating officer at the Armed Forces Retirement Home managing two facilities to ensure the delivery of quality programs and services throughout the agency’s continuing care retirement community for veterans. He was also the regional health care administrator for the Michigan Department of Corrections, and served as the trauma coordinator for the state, where he led the effort to create and implement the first statewide all-inclusive trauma system.

Kangas attended Northern Michigan University earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s degree in public administration. He received his doctorate in public administration and public affairs from Western Michigan University. Kangas is a native of L’Anse and his wife, Deb (Ojala), is a native of Baraga. They have three children Kortney, Ciara and Alec. He and his wife are looking forward to being back in the Upper Peninsula and closer to family.