University of Michigan Health System executive Bob Kelch was chosen as board chairman for Ann Arbor-based Altarum Institute.

Kelch is the executive for medical affairs emeritus and special advisor to the executive vice president for medical affairs at U-M. He will serve as chairman for three years.

Robert Kelch was chosen to serve as chairman for Ann Arbor-based Altarum Institute's board of directors.

During Kelch's tenure with the health system, U-M marked the opening of the Biomedical Science Research building, the growth of the East Medical Campus and the Cardiovascular Center. He has also been involved in the future C.S. Mott Children's Hospital and Women's Hospital facility, among other things, his U-M biography says.

Altarum is a non-profit organization based in Ann Arbor that conducts health care system research and consulting work. Recently, the institute announced it received a $19.6 million grant to create and manage a statewide organization to improve the adoption of medical records.

Kelch is replacing outgoing chairman Charles Roadman, who is a former U.S. Air Force Surgeon General.

Tina Reed covers health and the environment for AnnArbor.com. You can reach her at tinareed@annarbor.com, call her at 734-623-2535 or find her on Twitter @TreedinAA.