Keith Hovan has been ousted as the CEO of Southcoast Health, according to an email sent to employees on Jan. 28. 

The Rochester resident was on a leave of absence after an alleged November domestic violence incident. 

Although charges from that incident were dropped after the victim declined to testify, Hovan faced the potential of further legal trouble due to his alleged possession of 83 illegal high-capacity magazines, located among a cache of legal weapons and ammunition that was seized by police after the domestic violence incident.

In the email sent to Southcoast Health employees, the nonprofit’s Board of Trustees announced that they had “determined it is in the best interest of Southcoast Health for Keith Hovan not to return as the President and CEO of Southcoast Health.” 

The email went on to announce that Dr. Ray Kruger will continue to serve as Acting President and CEO. Kruger has worked for Southcoast Health as a surgeon for 34 years. 

The email thanked Hovan for his “past service.”

It is unclear whether Hovan will face charges for the illegal ammunition found in his home. The decision about whether or not Hovan should  be charged is up to the Wareham Clerk Magistrate, and will be made in a “show cause” hearing that is closed to the public. 

It is unclear whether or not that hearing has taken place yet.

The domestic violence charge that was dropped stemmed from a Nov. 6 incident at Hovan’s Mary Pond Road Home in Rochester.

Police were dispatched to Hovan’s house at about 10:30 pm after receiving a 911 call. Hovan was taken into custody and transported to the police station after police interviewed the victim and a witness, Rochester Police said. 

The incident stemmed from an argument over what to watch on television, according to accounts detailed in the police report.

When Hovan took a leave of absence following the charges, he wrote in a statement that the situation had caused an unfair distraction.

“As we continue to address the greatest public health crises of our lifetimes, Southcoast Health deserves a leader unencumbered by current personal matters to run what I believe to be the most exceptional health care system in the state,” Hovan wrote in the statement. 

“There is nothing more important to me than my family. Please know that the pride, gratitude and awe I feel in leading such an incredible group of dedicated and talented employees is a very close second.”

Hovan was hired as the President and CEO of Southcoast Hospitals Group, Inc. in 2008 and as President and CEO of Southcoast Health System, Inc. in 2011.

Prior to his time at Southcoast, Hovan was the executive vice president and chief operating officer at Danbury Health System.

Hovan was also the co-chairman of Governor Baker’s healthcare transition team after the 2014 gubernatorial election.