Effective Jan. 20, Scott Evans has assumed the role of interim chief executive officer of Keck Hospital of USC and USC Norris Cancer Hospital-- in addition to his role as the chief operating officer of the hospitals.

In a memo to Keck Medical Center of USC staff and physicians, new Senior Vice President and CEO for USC Health Tom Jackiewicz expressed his confidence in Evans' leadership as the organization moves toward a more fully integrated Keck Medical Center of USC.

In his interim CEO role, Evans reports to Jackiewicz and works closely with Keith Gran, CEO of USC Care Medical Group.

"Those of you who have worked with Scott know that he has done an outstanding job leading the daily operations of our hospitals fostering collaboration and teamwork among hospital directors, medical staff and leadership," Jackiewicz wrote. "He is known as a problem solver, understands the critical role of physician leaders and is highly respected for his abilities to work across all levels of the organization."

Jackiewicz also recognized Mitch Creem, who served as hospitals CEO since April 2009, for his "leadership during a very pivotal time for USC's medical enterprise. He played a crucial role before and after the hospitals acquisition and made a significant and lasting contribution to our hospitals and our university."