West Penn Allegheny Health System officials announced today that Edward M. Klaman has been named president and chief executive officer of The Western Pennsylvania Hospital.

A veteran healthcare executive in the western Pennsylvania region, Mr. Klaman has served in a number of previous high-level administrative roles for West Penn Allegheny, including executive vice president and chief hospital officer at West Penn Hospital from 2002 until April of 2007 and vice president of Network Development for WPAHS before then.

Prior to joining West Penn Allegheny, Mr. Klaman served as chief executive officer for Citizens General Hospital in New Kensington, PA, where he was instrumental in the formation of Alle-Kiski Medical Center. His background also includes serving as executive vice president for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and executive vice president of operations at Shadyside Health, Education and Research Corporation.

Mr. Klaman earned a master’s degree in healthcare administration from George Washington University and is a charter member of the Circle of Excellence—the highest honor given by National Medical Enterprises to recognize achievements of chief executive officers in the industry.