The president of Boone Hospital Center stepped down from his position Monday to accept a position with BJC HealthCare.

Dan Rothery has been president since 2006. A nationwide search for Boone Hospital’s next president will begin immediately.

"The past six years have been the most rewarding of my career. It has been an incredible joy to be part of the Boone Hospital family and serve this community as the leader of what is increasingly a nationally renowned organization," Rothery said. "Moving to this next chapter in my career is a decision I made with mixed emotions. Yet I am excited for the new challenge. I know I am leaving Boone Hospital in the capable hands of an experienced leadership team, a dedicated staff and a talented medical staff."

Rothery will lead BJC Home Care, Corporate Health and Behavioral Health Services in St. Louis.

Boone Hospital vice president and chief operating officer Randy Morrow will serve as interim president. Morrow was also interim president before Rothery joined Boone Hospital.