ST. JOHN’S, N.L. – David Diamond (pictured), a healthcare executive who got his start at St. Clare’s hospital in St. John’s, has been picked to run Eastern Health, Newfoundland and Labrador’s largest health authority.

Eastern Health announced that Diamond will take over as president and chief executive officer on Nov. 1. Diamond is currently chief external relations officer with Alberta Health Services, the authority that administers healthcare in that province.

Alberta Health Services happens to be the organization that Vickie Kaminski, Eastern Health’s former CEO, was hired to run this spring.

“I look forward to returning to Newfoundland and Labrador and leading a group of dedicated people to ensure we provide the best possible care to the residents of the eastern region and the entire province,” Diamond said in a statement.

Diamond will earn an annual salary of $335,000, and has signed a five-year contract.