After 12 years, Craig Hendrickson has announced his plans to retire as President & Chief Executive Officer at Overlake Medical Center in June 2014.

Hendrickson came to Overlake in 2001 from Swedish Medical Center (Providence Campus), where he was the Cheif Operating Officer (COO). Hendrickson’s other executive experience includes chief executive at Providence Seattle Medical Center; senior regional vice president and COO at Catholic Healthcare West in California; President and CEO of South Sound Integrated Delivery Network for the Franciscan Health System; and CEO of St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way.

Hendrickson has a master’s degree in healthcare administration from the University of California, Irvine and currently serves on the board of the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce.

During his time at Overlake, Hendrickson said he worked to promote health care as a team sport and to empower the staff to work together. He added that he made changing the culture of the hospital a top priority.

“That didn’t exist as much when I started,” he said. “And I’m very proud of that.”

During his tenure, Hendrickson oversaw projects including the completion of Overlake’s South Tower, as well as the development and completion of the newly opened Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and the David and Shelley Hovind Heart & Vascular Center. He also helped raise the hospital’s quality metrics, which have contributed to their status as one of the best hospitals in the country.

“Craig really led the effort to ensure that people were focused on patient care,” said Cecily Hall, board chair at Overlake.

“We’re sad to see him go, but we appreciate the long transition time,” Hall said.

Considering the weight and responsibility that comes with Hendrickson’s position, Hall said the board, along with Hendrickson, will take the appropriate time to find a talented individual to replace him.