KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Home Healthcare, Hospice & Community Services has tapped longtime healthcare executive Karen Gomes to serve as its interim chief executive officer, placing the agency’s operations in the hands of a leader well-known across New England’s home-care and hospice networks.

Gomes began the role Monday, following the retirement of outgoing CEO Maura McQueeney, who led the Keene-based nonprofit for seven years.

The HCS Board of Directors announced the appointment late last week, highlighting Gomes’ extensive background across home health, hospice, geriatric care and population health. Board Chair Virginia Jordan said Gomes’ familiarity with the agency — she previously provided consulting services to HCS through her firm RN Answers, LLC — made her a strong fit for a smooth leadership transition. Jordan added that Gomes’ track record in improving quality and shaping organizational strategy will help support the nonprofit as it responds to changing community health needs.

Before launching her consulting company, Gomes served as president and CEO of Tufts Medicine Care at Home. Across her more than two decades in healthcare leadership, she has become known for translating broad strategic goals into workable, on-the-ground plans tailored to the needs of staff, patients and caregivers.

In a statement, Gomes said she looks forward to leading an organization that plays such a central role in helping residents across southwestern New Hampshire remain safely in their homes. HCS provides daily services to more than 2,000 people in 52 communities, ranging from home healthcare and hospice to a wide array of community support programs.

The agency said Gomes will focus on expanding access to care, strengthening patient experience and ensuring programs continue to evolve with local needs.