WEBSTER CITY – Robert Mason, chief executive officer of Van Diest Medical Center, has resigned from his position with the hospital.

Mason resigned “in order to pursue other opportunities” during a special board of trustees meeting Tuesday.The trustees voted to accept the resignation.

Mason filled the role of interim CEO beginning in November 2012, prior to his being named CEO of Van Diest Medical Center in 2013.

“Van Diest Medical Center is a very special place and I have appreciated the opportunity to work with such a caring team,” Mason said. “The community of Webster City and those throughout Hamilton County are extremely fortunate to have this facility and quality health care services available,” Mason said.

Carroll Ose, chairman of the board of trustees, said the administrator had made a difference at the hospital.

“During his time at Van Diest Medical Center, Bob made significant contributions to the organization. He evoked positive change and we have appreciated his leadership in both the hospital and community settings. We wish him well in his next endeavor,”Ose said.

Hospital officials said Mercy Health Network in Des Moines will provide administrative management until an interim CEO is named. Working with the board of trustees at VDMC, Mercy officials will begin the recruitment process to search for a new CEO.