Timothy Walsh, president and chief executive officer of the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, announced his retirement Tuesday.

Mr. Walsh told his staff that he plans to retire next April.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the Island community and work with you to help improve our ability to care for our friends, family and neighbors,” Mr. Walsh said, according to a news release issued by the hospital Tuesday afternoon. “I sincerely appreciate all the hard work and first class care you provide each and every day. I will always treasure my time at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital and I will miss you all.”

Mr. Walsh began his tenure at the Martha’s Vineyard hospital as chief financial officer in 2000 during a period of financial instability, when the hospital had filed for bankruptcy with an emergency board of trustees in charge. In 2002 he was named president and CEO.

He later steered the hospital into a partnership with Massachusetts General Hospital, which in 2007 led to outright acquisition by the Partners Healthcare network of medical facilities.

The hospital underwent other dramatic changes under his leadership, including construction of the $50 million facility completed in 2010. The new hospital was funded entirely by private donations.

He established an Island-based oncology service, instituted a new electronic medical records system, and is working to create a walk-in clinic for non-emergency medical care.

Before coming to Martha’s Vineyard, Mr. Walsh served in various positions at the Carney Hospital in Boston, Roger Williams General Hospital in Providence, the Boston Department of Health and Hospitals, and Massachusetts Blue Cross.

Tim Sweet, chairman of the hospital’s board of trustees, said the board will form a search committee over the next few weeks, and begin the search for a new CEO later this fall.

Mr. Walsh could not immediately be reached for comment Tuesday.