The Ensign Group announced in late February that Chief Operating Officer Barry Port will step into the role of CEO, effective May 30. Meanwhile, current chief Christopher Christensen has been appointed executive chairman of the Mission Viejo, CA, company. He will focus on growth opportunities.

Also, Spencer Burton — president of Ensign’s Northwest-based portfolio company, Pennant Healthcare — has been named COO.

Ensign is the fifth-largest nursing home chain in the U.S., with about 170 facilities.