Middle Park Medical Center CEO David Ross submitted a letter of resignation effective immediately on Friday, Feb. 5, according to a press release.

The Kremmling Memorial Hospital District Board of Directors, which does business as MPMC, appointed MPMC CFO Robert Flake as interim CEO.

“The Kremmling Memorial Hospital District Board of Directors appreciates the work and improvements that David contributed to he organization,” said Board President Bernie Murphy in the press release. “”We will work with Centura Health, our strategic partner, Robert (Flake) and our leadership team to make this transition as smooth as possible.”

The press release did not give a reason for Ross’s resignation. Hospital officials had not returned requests for comment as of press time.

Ross replaced former CEO Cole White in September 2014 after MPMC entered into a hospital management agreement with Centura Health.

During Ross’s tenure, the district found itself the target of a receivership lawsuit from bondholders after it defaulted on debt used to fund the construction of MPMC-Granby. Ross also oversaw the organization’s application and acceptance of a $24 million loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that it used to pay off the debt.

Centura officially employed Ross, though the board controlled his salary and benefits.

Ross previously served as president and CEO of St. Joseph Hospital in Nashua, N.H.

“The board and I are thankful for his dedication and commitment, and we wish David the very best in his future,” Murphy stated.

Hank Shell can be reached at 970-557-6010.