Mandy Cohen is stepping down as the head of North Carolina's health department, in today's bite-sized hospital and health industry news from California, Georgia, and North Carolina.

• California: Providence Northern California on Monday named Laureen Driscoll as regional chief executive. She succeeds Kevin Klockenga, who retired from the position in May. In her new role, Driscoll will lead the health system's six hospitals and oversee its ambulatory facilities, medical offices, and health care services operations in the northern California region. "Laureen's combination of clinical and leadership expertise, along with her compassionate nature and proven ability to inspire complex organizations to greatness will help us further our outstanding care throughout the Northern California communities we serve," said Erik Wexler, president of operations and strategy for Providence. (Sarfaty, North Bay Business Journal, 11/29)

• Georgia: Southeast Georgia Health System has named Scott Raynes as its new president and CEO. Raynes will succeed Michael Scherneck, who has been with the health system for the past 18 years, serving as president and CEO for the past five years. According to Kay Hampton, health system chair, "Scott possesses a wealth of hospital experience, from strategic planning and operational oversight to patient-focused care and employee satisfaction." (Jackson, The Brunswick News, 11/30)

• North Carolina: Gov. Roy Cooper (D) on Tuesday announced that Mandy Cohen was stepping down as the head of North Carolina's health department to spend more time with her family and explore new opportunities to advance the state's health and well-being. According to the news release, Cohen said she needed "a bit of rest and recovery" and called the past two years "quite a marathon." During Tuesday's briefing by the North Carolina Coronavirus Task Force, Cooper said, "Dr. Cohen, North Carolinians owe you a deep debt of gratitude." He added, "You have been such a blessing to our state." (AP/Modern Healthcare, 11/30)