HEALDSBURG — The board of directors of the North Sonoma County Healthcare District today announced the appointment of George Protos as interim chief executive officer. He will begin the role on Jan. 1.

Mr. Protos is currently the head of human resources for the district, which includes the 43-bed Healdsburg District Hospital. He will serve as CEO until the board selects a permanent CEO, a move anticipated in the next six to eight weeks.

A graduate of the Stanford University Graduate School of Business Executive Program in Organizational Change, as well as the University of California, Los Angeles and the University of Virginia, Mr. Protos joined Healdsburg District Hospital in 2005. He career has spanned technology, financial services and health care, along with service in the U.S. Air Force.

The board of directors has conducted 18 initial interviews from 70 applications received, seeking to replace former CEO Evan Rayner. Mr. Rayner stepped down from his role in October, following six and a half years as CEO.

The board expects to have Mr. Rayner’s replacement in place by February, according to the announcement.