NovaMed (Chicago) reported the death March 30 of Stephen Winjum, the company's founder, chairman, president and CEO, from complications of a heart attack he suffered two days earlier.

Until a replacement is named, Robert Kelly, currently a director of the company, will continue to serve as the presiding director of the board of directors and all members of the company's senior management will continue to report directly to Kelly, who will be assisted by other independent directors of the company.

NovaMed acquires, develops and operates ambulatory surgery centers in partnership with physicians. It has ownership interests in 26 surgery centers located in 14 states.