Michael Pontus will retire as St. Joseph鈥檚 Hospital CEO at the end of July, board chair Ron Philip announced Thursday afternoon in a news release.

Pontus has spent 35 years in the health care management field, the past 21 years as St. Joe鈥檚 president and CEO, and 15 years as president and CEO of Glacier View Lodge.

鈥淎lthough the board deeply regrets Mr. Pontus鈥� decision to retire, it has been clearly demonstrated that he has provided diligent, long and faithful service to St. Joseph鈥檚, the health care system and residents of the Comox Valley and northern Vancouver Island,鈥� Philip stated. 鈥淭he board wishes Michael, his wife Peggy, children and grandchildren every happiness in the future.鈥�

St. Joseph鈥檚 General Hospital has evolved considerably since 1989 when its ownership was transferred from the Sisters of St. Joseph鈥檚 of Toronto to the Diocese of Victoria, which then recruited Pontus, Philip noted.

Bishop Richard Gagnon thanked Pontus for his commitment, principles, values and integrity. Ron Webber, chair of Glacier View Lodge, expressed gratitude on behalf of its board for Pontus鈥� leadership and advice.

Philip said he has appointed a search committee to recruit and recommend a replacement for Pontus.

St. Joseph鈥檚 lost its accreditation last year and was criticized for a lack of consultation about a major restructuring of patient care.