Leadership Overview
Baton Rouge General has 7 executives leading key functions including clinical governance, information technology, financial management, medical operations, organizational leadership, foundation development, and physician network oversight.
Committed to community health excellence, Baton Rouge General delivers comprehensive medical services ranging from behavioral health to cardiovascular treatment while maintaining a legacy of teaching and patient-centered care.
Committed to community health excellence, Baton Rouge General delivers comprehensive medical services ranging from behavioral health to cardiovascular treatment while maintaining a legacy of teaching and patient-centered care.
Leadership Roles at Baton Rouge General
Dionne Viator - Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Dionne Viator, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Baton Rouge General, manages the fiscal health and long-term economic strategy of the organization. Viator oversees capital allocation, revenue cycle management, and budgetary planning to ensure the sustainability of essential medical services. By analyzing market trends and operational costs, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer optimizes resource distribution across behavioral health and neonatal intensive care units. Dionne Viator also collaborates with the President to secure funding for facility expansions and new medical technologies. This leadership position requires precise financial forecasting to support the hospital's mission as a community teaching institution. Through rigorous auditing and financial oversight, Viator maintains the fiscal integrity necessary for continued growth. The Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer drives initiatives that improve operational efficiency, ensuring that Baton Rouge General remains financially resilient while delivering high-quality care to the regional population.
Erik Showalter - President
Erik Showalter, the President at Baton Rouge General, directs the overall strategic vision and operational performance of the hospital system. Showalter manages the executive team and ensures alignment between the hospital's mission and its daily clinical operations. By fostering partnerships with community stakeholders, the President expands the reach of essential services like behavioral health and neonatal care. Erik Showalter also oversees the long-term growth strategy, focusing on facility development and the recruitment of top-tier medical talent. This leadership role involves constant engagement with the Board of Governors to ensure the financial and clinical success of the institution. Through the promotion of a patient-centered culture, Showalter drives the hospital's reputation as a premier community teaching facility. The President ensures that Baton Rouge General remains responsive to the evolving healthcare needs of the region, maintaining a focus on innovation, quality, and accessibility for all patients.
Pam Causey - Auxillary President and Foundation Board of Governors
Pam Causey, the Auxillary President and Foundation Board of Governors at Baton Rouge General, leads philanthropic efforts and community engagement initiatives. Causey manages the fundraising strategies that support the hospital's capital projects and specialized medical programs. By cultivating relationships with donors and community leaders, the Auxillary President and Foundation Board of Governors secures the resources necessary for facility upgrades and advanced equipment. Pam Causey also oversees the volunteer programs that enhance the patient experience across the hospital campus. This leadership role involves coordinating with the executive team to ensure that philanthropic goals align with the broader mission of the organization. Through the management of foundation assets, Causey supports the long-term sustainability of community health programs. The Auxillary President and Foundation Board of Governors drives initiatives that strengthen the connection between the hospital and the public, ensuring that Baton Rouge General continues to thrive as a vital community resource.
Nakia Newsome - Vice Chief of Staff
Nakia Newsome, the Vice Chief of Staff at Baton Rouge General, coordinates clinical standards across the hospital system. Newsome manages physician relations and ensures adherence to medical protocols within the community teaching hospital environment. By facilitating communication between the medical staff and hospital administration, the Vice Chief of Staff maintains high standards of patient care. Nakia Newsome also oversees the integration of specialized medical services, including neonatal intensive care and behavioral health initiatives. This leadership role requires constant collaboration with the Chief Medical Officer to align clinical practices with institutional goals. Through rigorous oversight of medical staff performance, the Vice Chief of Staff supports the broader mission of providing advanced healthcare solutions. Newsome drives operational efficiency within the clinical departments, ensuring that Baton Rouge General remains a leader in regional medical excellence while fostering a collaborative environment for all healthcare providers.
Bennett Cheramie - Vice President & Chief Information Officer
Bennett Cheramie, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Baton Rouge General, directs the digital infrastructure and health information systems. Cheramie manages the secure integration of electronic health records to support clinical decision-making across all hospital departments. By architecting robust cybersecurity frameworks, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer protects sensitive patient data while enabling seamless access for medical teams. Bennett Cheramie also oversees the implementation of advanced diagnostic technologies that enhance the quality of cancer and cardiovascular treatments. This role involves constant coordination with the executive team to align technological investments with the long-term strategic goals of the hospital. Through the modernization of internal communication platforms, Cheramie improves operational workflows and patient outcomes. The Vice President & Chief Information Officer ensures that the technological foundation of Baton Rouge General supports the evolving needs of the community and the demands of a modern teaching hospital.
Aaron Witt - Chief Medical Officer
Aaron Witt, the Chief Medical Officer at Baton Rouge General, leads the clinical strategy and quality improvement initiatives across the hospital. Witt oversees the medical staff and ensures that all departments, including cardiovascular and cancer treatment centers, adhere to the highest standards of patient safety. By implementing evidence-based practices, the Chief Medical Officer drives clinical excellence and supports the educational mission of the teaching hospital. Aaron Witt also coordinates with the executive leadership team to integrate new medical technologies into daily practice. This role involves managing complex clinical challenges and fostering a culture of continuous improvement among the medical staff. Through the oversight of patient care protocols, Witt ensures that Baton Rouge General provides consistent and effective treatment. The Chief Medical Officer maintains strong relationships with regional healthcare partners, ensuring that the hospital remains at the forefront of medical innovation and community health service delivery.
Brad Gaspard - Chief Medical Officer, General Physicians (Baton Rouge)
Brad Gaspard, the Chief Medical Officer, General Physicians (Baton Rouge) at Baton Rouge General, directs the clinical operations of the physician network. Gaspard manages the integration of primary and specialty care services to ensure a seamless patient experience across the regional network. By overseeing physician performance and clinical quality metrics, the Chief Medical Officer, General Physicians (Baton Rouge) maintains high standards of care in outpatient settings. Brad Gaspard also collaborates with the hospital's executive leadership to align physician practices with the broader institutional goals of the teaching hospital. This role involves implementing standardized care pathways that improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency. Through the development of physician-led initiatives, Gaspard supports the expansion of medical services throughout the region. The Chief Medical Officer, General Physicians (Baton Rouge) ensures that the physician network remains a cornerstone of the hospital's commitment to accessible, high-quality healthcare for the entire community.
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Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Baton Rouge General Top Executives and Leadership Team
