The San Juan Health Service District is looking for a new Chief Executive Officer after the resignation of Craig Preston at a September 25 meeting of the health district board of directors. Preston was just completing his one-year contract when the resignation was announced.

“As quickly as possible, we will begin our search for a new CEO,” said board president Buddy Redd. Redd said that a special meeting of the board this week will begin the process.

The district operates San Juan Hospital, in addition to clinics in Monticello and Blanding, the Blanding Birthing Center, and out reach efforts in the county and beyond. It is a time of change and uncertainty for the district, with the opening of Blue Mountain Hospital in Blanding as soon as 2009.

Financial director Lyman Duncan expects the district to complete the year with a positive net income. “Low seasonal utilization in the summer generally makes them the slowest months of the year,” said Duncan. “We are roughly at a breakeven point now, so as the fall and winter come, we anticipate positive net income for the year.”