Steven L. Strongwater, who served as the chief executive officer of the Stony Brook University Medical Center for almost five years, has announced he will resign effective Nov. 15. completing a process put into place years ago to reorganize the leadership of health sciences.

According to an email sent to the student body on Thursday, Kenneth Kaushansky, senior vice president for the health sciences said that Fred Sganga will serve as interim CEO until a permanent replacement is found.

“Dr. Strongwater led the organization through a period of extraordinary growth despite tremendous cost-containment pressures and has helped create a culture focused on patient safety,” said Lauren Sheprow, director of media relations for the university. “His service and commitment to creating a world-class healthcare organization at Stony Brook is truly appreciated.

Sganga, the director of the Long Island State Veterans Home at Stony Brook, served as interim CEO in 2006 before Strongwater was appointed.

“Fred is an ideal person to serve in this role,” Kaushansky said. “He brings 27 years of experience as a healthcare executive, 10 of which have been spent on our campus.”

During Strongwater’s time at Stony Brook the hospital grew from 504 licensed beds to 591 licensed beds while their budget grew from $689 to $901 million. He was also responsible for the recent modernization of the hospital, updated operating rooms and a makeover of the south side of the hospital.

“I am very proud of the progress Stony Brook University Hospital has made during my tenure, in particular in improving patient outcomes, access and efficiency,” Strongwater said in a statement. “It has been a privilege to serve Stony Brook University Hospital and the community. I am evaluating a number of opportunities but have not finalized my plans.”