Providence said Tuesday it is restructuring and reducing executive roles amid persistent operating challenges spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Providence said it will reduce its regional executive teams to three divisions from seven. The Washington-based nonprofit health system also has plans to consolidate three clinical lines of business — physician enterprise, ambulatory care network and clinical institutes — down to one executive leadership team. 

“We began this journey before the pandemic, but it has become even more imperative today as health systems across the country face a new reality,” Providence President and CEO Rod Hochman said in a statement. 

The new operating model is aimed at protecting direct patient care staff and other essential roles, Melissa Tizon, vice president of communication, told Healthcare Dive. 

It’s unclear how many roles will be eliminated as part of the restructuring. Providence did not provide a specific number of job reductions. 

Erik Wexler, former president of strategy and operations in Providence’s southern regions, will step into a new role as chief operating officer and will oversee the three new divisions.

Kevin Manemann will serve as division chief executive of the South region, which includes operations in Southern and Northern California. 

Joel Gilbertson, division chief executive for the central region, will oversee operations in Eastern Washington, Montana, Oregon, Texas and New Mexico. 

Guy Hudson will lead the North Division, which includes operations in Western Washington and Alaska. Hudson will keep his role as president and CEO of Swedish Health Services in Seattle. 

David Kim, an executive vice president, will lead the three clinical business lines that were consolidated under one leadership team. 

The shakeup comes after Providence reported in March that its operating loss doubled in 2021, reaching $714 million as operating expenses climbed 8% for the year. 

The system said it treated more patients who were sicker and required a higher level of care than in 2020 and, at the same time, struggled with labor shortages.