Health care management company names COO

SARASOTA — Sarasota-based Dental Care Alliance announced Dale Hockel Jr. has joined the company as COO. 

A press release says in his new role, Hockel will be responsible for driving organic growth, optimizing operational performance and improving service capabilities at the company's corporate support campus and throughout its 265 affiliated dental practices in the U.S. 

Before joining the company, Hockel was COO of Alliance HealthCare Services. There he led strategic planning, business development, patient experience and operational performance for radiology and imaging facilities across the U.S. 

"Dale has demonstrated success as a strong leader in healthcare management operations, and I’m pleased to have someone of his caliber join the DCA team," says CEO Jerry Rhodes in a statement. "DCA is positioned for significant growth in 2018, and Dale is an integral player in achieving that goal."

Dental Care Alliance was established in 1991. It supports dental practices in 13 states.