A Dubuque native has been named the new chief operating officer for Medical Associates Clinic.

Tom Pfiffner started in his new role with the Dubuque-based health care provider this month, a press release states. He succeeds Chief Operating Officer Brian Schatz, who is retiring at the end of the year after 23 years in the role.

Pfiffner, a Dubuque native, is a University of Iowa graduate who has worked in multiple health systems, most recently serving as senior vice president of strategic operations at American Orthopedic Partners LLC. He also spent more than 20 years working in various leadership roles at Northwestern Medicine and Advocate Aurora Health in Chicago.

The release states that Pfiffner “has an extensive background in clinical and surgical operations, revenue cycle, systems, mergers and acquisitions.”