PORTLAND — Maine native Jeff Sanders has been appointed executive vice president and chief operating officer for Maine Medical Center, hospital officials announced today.

Sanders will start the job on June 7. He last worked at Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, Utah, where he was operating officer in charge of cardiovascular services, imaging services, sleep services, hyperbaric medicine, surgical services, transplant services and medical research.

Before that, he worked at McKay-Dee Hospital in Ogden, Utah, where he oversaw a number of programs including surgery, critical care, rehabilitation, laboratory services, information systems and behavioral medicine. He also played a key role in Intermountain Healthcare’s partnership with GE Healthcare, leading numerous projects to improve their services and strengthen their physician partnerships.

“We are very happy to have Jeff join us. His diverse experience and expertise in leading one of the nation’s leading hospitals will only complement the already great work being done here at the medical center,” said Rich Petersen, president and chief executive officer of Maine Medical Center.

Sanders was born in Millinocket and grew up in Gray.

As chief operating officer at Maine Medical Center, Sanders will be responsible for day-to-day operations of the hospital. He will serve as a key strategic adviser to Petersen, other senior executives and physician leaders. Sanders’ efforts will focus on service and operational excellence, program growth, quality, culture enhancement and physician relationships.

“I’m extremely excited to join the Maine Medical Center team,” Sanders said. “Maine Medical Center is nationally recognized for the delivery of high-quality care at a cost effective price. I’m looking forward to working with a talented team of professionals to build upon that legacy. I’m also very happy to return to Maine.”

Maine Medical Center is the state’s largest medical center, with 637 licensed beds, 6,000 employees, an active educational program and a world-class biomedical research center. It also provides 23 percent of all charity care delivered in Maine.