WEIRTON – Weirton Medical Center will also see some changes in its on-campus leadership as the transition to West Virginia University Medicine is scheduled to be completed in early 2025.

John C. Frankovitch will retire as president and chief executive officer of the hospital at the end of the year. He has been holding this position since 2016.

“Frankovitch’s visionary leadership and unwavering dedication have been pivotal in establishing WMC as a leading healthcare provider in the region. Frankovitch also championed WMC’s strategic vision for long-term sustained success through integration with West Virginia University Health System.” He noted a statement released by hospital officials on Thursday.

Frankovitch will continue to be involved with the hospital, helping guide the transition as chairman emeritus of the board of trustees and strategic advisor.

David Artman, the hospital’s current chief operating officer, has been named Weirton’s new president and CEO, effective Jan. 1.

Artman has been with WMC since 2012 and previously served as CEO of Kindred Healthcare at Heritage Valley and Kindred Healthcare at Mercy Hospital of Pittsburgh.

“It has been an honor and privilege to serve as president and CEO of Weirton Medical Center since 2016. We are extremely proud of what we have accomplished together and look forward to the hospital’s success as it enters its next phase as part of WVU Health.” System” Frankovic said: “Dave Artman has been a key part of WMC’s leadership team for over a decade. “He has been a huge part of our success, and we are confident that the hospital will continue to expand by providing world-class healthcare under Dave’s leadership.”

Hospital officials announced plans for Weirton Medical to become a full member of the WVU Health System in March, with the transition targeted to occur in early 2025.

WMC became a clinical affiliate of WVU Medicine in 2020, providing greater access to specialists and subspecialists as well as assistance recruiting physicians to the area.

“I am grateful to John for his friendship and the partnership he has built and continues to build with us.” said Albert L. Wright Jr., president and CEO of West Virginia University Health System. “I look forward to working with him in his new role as chairman emeritus and strategic advisor to the board of trustees, appreciate his 27 years of outstanding service to Weirton Medical Center, and am excited to work with him as he assumes the role of Dave Artman.” president and CEO.”

Weirton Medical Center is a 238-bed acute care hospital serving patients in West Virginia, Eastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania. It operates 50 ancillary locations throughout the Tri-State Area. WVU Health System, meanwhile, is West Virginia’s largest network of hospitals, clinics and specialty institutions, with more than 3,000 licensed beds, 4,000 providers and 30,000 employees working across 24 hospitals and clinics.