Johnston Health named Charles W. Elliott Jr., who has served as its interim chief executive officer since October, as its new CEO.

Elliott, 57, replaces former CEO Kevin Rogols, who was fired last fall after health system officials said they wanted a fresh perspective and had lost some confidence in his ability to lead.

The system, which includes hospitals in Smithfield and Clayton, is run by an outside management company, Quorum Health Resources.

There were four candidates vying for the CEO spot. Elliott, a native of Atlanta, took the spot because of his more than 30 years of experience managing hospitals. That career included serving as CEO of Rowan Regional Medical Center, a 268-bed hospital in Salisbury.

Want to learn pediatric advanced life support? A PALS class will meet from 9 a.m. till 5 p.m. Jan. 20-21 in Room 1404B of the Johnston Medical Mall on North Bright Leaf Boulevard in Smithfield. To register for the class, call 919-938-7736. The fee is $200 and includes materials.

Want to learn CPR? A beginner’s class will meet from 9 a.m. till 2 p.m. Jan. 20 in Room 1404B of the Johnston Medical Mall on North Bright Leaf Boulevard in Smithfield. To register, call 919-938-7736. The fee is $71 and includes materials.