Baton Rouge General Executive and Leadership Team

Dionne Viator, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Baton Rouge General, directs all financial operations and strategic fiscal planning. Overseeing budgeting, financial reporting, and resource allocation, Viator ensures the hospital's financial health and sustainability. This leadership role involves managing investments, optimizing revenue cycles, and maintaining compliance with healthcare financial regulations. By analyzing financial data, Dionne Viator drives informed decision-making across all departments, supporting the hospital's mission of providing accessible and high-quality medical services. The financial oversight extends to managing capital expenditures and ensuring efficient use of hospital resources, directly impacting the organization's capacity to deliver specialized treatments like cancer and cardiovascular care.

Phyllis Melancon, the Chief Financial Officer, BOM Vermillion Hospital at Baton Rouge General, manages the financial health and strategic fiscal planning for the Vermillion Hospital facility. Overseeing budgeting, financial reporting, and resource allocation specific to BOM Vermillion, Melancon ensures operational efficiency and financial sustainability. This leadership position involves managing investments, optimizing revenue cycles, and ensuring compliance with healthcare financial regulations for the Vermillion site. By analyzing financial data, Phyllis Melancon drives informed decision-making, supporting the hospital's mission of providing accessible and high-quality medical services. The financial oversight directly impacts the Vermillion Hospital's capacity to deliver specialized treatments and maintain its community teaching hospital status.

Pam Causey, the Auxillary President and Foundation Board of Governors at Baton Rouge General, leads initiatives focused on fundraising and community engagement to support hospital operations and expansion. Overseeing the activities of the hospital auxiliary and the Foundation Board, Causey mobilizes resources to enhance patient care services and fund critical medical equipment. This role involves strategic planning for philanthropic endeavors, cultivating donor relationships, and ensuring the effective allocation of foundation funds towards the hospital's mission. Pam Causey's leadership is instrumental in securing financial support for specialized programs, including neonatal intensive care and cardiovascular treatment, thereby strengthening the hospital's community impact and its capacity for medical innovation.

Erik Showalter, the President at Baton Rouge General, provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the entire organization. Overseeing all hospital operations, financial performance, and long-term planning, Showalter ensures the delivery of comprehensive medical services, including behavioral health, neonatal intensive care, and cancer treatment. This role involves fostering a culture of excellence, driving innovation in healthcare delivery, and maintaining strong relationships with the medical community and stakeholders. Erik Showalter's strategic vision guides the hospital's growth and its commitment to serving the Baton Rouge community as a leading teaching hospital. The President's oversight ensures alignment with the hospital's mission of providing high-quality, accessible patient care.

Beth Veazey, the President at Baton Rouge General, directs the strategic vision and operational execution across the hospital system. Overseeing key initiatives in patient care, medical services, and administrative functions, Veazey ensures the delivery of high-quality healthcare, encompassing areas such as cancer treatment and cardiovascular services. This leadership position involves fostering collaboration among departments, driving efficiency, and upholding the hospital's commitment to its community teaching role. Beth Veazey's focus on operational excellence and strategic growth supports the hospital's mission to provide advanced medical solutions and compassionate care. The President's leadership ensures the hospital remains at the forefront of healthcare innovation and community service.

Deborah Reeves, the President at Baton Rouge General, leads the organization's strategic direction and operational management. Overseeing all facets of hospital operations, Reeves ensures the delivery of comprehensive medical services, including behavioral health, neonatal intensive care, and specialized treatments. This executive role involves driving initiatives to enhance patient outcomes, foster medical innovation, and maintain the hospital's standing as a community teaching hospital. Deborah Reeves's leadership focuses on optimizing resource allocation, strengthening partnerships, and advancing the hospital's mission to provide exceptional care. The President's strategic oversight is critical for navigating the evolving healthcare landscape and ensuring sustained excellence in patient services.

Bennett Cheramie, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Baton Rouge General, architects the organization's technology strategy and digital infrastructure. Overseeing all information systems, data management, and cybersecurity initiatives, Cheramie ensures seamless technological operations supporting patient care and administrative functions. This critical role involves implementing innovative solutions to enhance electronic health records, improve data analytics capabilities, and secure sensitive patient information. By driving digital transformation, Bennett Cheramie supports the hospital's commitment to advanced medical services, including neonatal intensive care and behavioral health. The CIO's focus on technological advancement directly contributes to operational efficiency and the hospital's ability to adapt to evolving healthcare demands.

Nakia Newsome, the Vice Chief of Staff at Baton Rouge General, collaborates closely with medical leadership to advance clinical excellence and patient care standards. This position involves supporting the Chief of Staff in overseeing medical staff affairs, ensuring adherence to best practices in treatment and diagnosis across all service lines, including cancer and cardiovascular services. Nakia Newsome contributes to the development and implementation of clinical policies and procedures, aiming to enhance patient outcomes and safety. The role requires a deep understanding of medical operations and a commitment to fostering a collaborative environment among physicians and healthcare professionals. By championing quality initiatives, Newsome directly impacts the hospital's reputation as a leading community teaching hospital.

Aaron Witt, the Chief Medical Officer at Baton Rouge General, directs the hospital's clinical strategy and ensures the highest standards of patient care. Overseeing all medical departments and physician activities, Witt focuses on enhancing treatment protocols, promoting evidence-based medicine, and improving patient outcomes across services like behavioral health, neonatal intensive care, and cancer treatment. This executive role involves collaborating with hospital administration to align medical operations with the organization's mission and strategic goals. Aaron Witt champions quality improvement initiatives, drives clinical research, and fosters a culture of continuous learning among medical staff. The Chief Medical Officer's leadership is pivotal in maintaining the hospital's reputation as a premier community teaching hospital.

Brad Gaspard, the Chief Medical Officer, General Physicians (Baton Rouge) at Baton Rouge General, oversees the clinical operations and medical staff for the General Physicians group. Directing efforts to ensure high-quality patient care and adherence to medical best practices, Gaspard focuses on enhancing the patient experience within the physician network. This role involves collaborating with hospital leadership to integrate primary care services with specialized hospital treatments, such as cancer and cardiovascular care. Brad Gaspard champions initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes and operational efficiency within the physician group. The Chief Medical Officer's leadership is crucial for maintaining clinical excellence and supporting the hospital's broader mission of community health.