Mayo Clinic’s incoming CEO is a neurologist who has led fundraising efforts at the Rochester-based institution.

Dr. John Noseworthy was named Friday to replace Dr. Denis Cortese, who is retiring in November.

Noseworthy is vice chairman of the Mayo Clinic Rochester Executive Board and medical director of the Mayo Clinic Department of Development.

Noseworthy came to Mayo in 1990 and oversaw the neurology department from 1997 to 2006. He has written and edited several books on multiple sclerosis over the years.

Mayo is facing tough times. While last year’s patient numbers were stable, income from patient care fell by almost a third. Fundraising efforts also were down last year.