Baton Rouge General Executive and Leadership Team

Kendall Johnson, the Chief Financial Officer at Baton Rouge General, directs all fiscal planning and budgetary allocations for the hospital. Managing the complex financial landscape of a community teaching hospital, the Chief Financial Officer ensures long-term sustainability through rigorous cost-control measures and revenue cycle optimization. Johnson oversees the integration of financial data with clinical performance metrics to improve operational efficiency across all departments. By analyzing market trends and regional healthcare demands, the Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary capital for facility upgrades and advanced medical equipment. This leadership role requires constant collaboration with the Board to align fiscal policies with the broader mission of providing high-quality patient care. Through meticulous oversight of the hospital's economic health, Kendall Johnson maintains the financial stability required to support diverse medical services, including neonatal intensive care and cancer treatment programs, ensuring the institution remains a cornerstone of the local healthcare system.

Dionne Viator, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Baton Rouge General, manages the overarching financial strategy and long-term investment planning for the organization. Overseeing the allocation of resources across all medical service lines, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures that the hospital maintains a strong balance sheet while expanding its clinical capabilities. Viator directs the financial reporting processes and ensures compliance with healthcare regulations, providing the transparency necessary for effective governance. By analyzing the economic impact of new medical technologies and service expansions, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer supports the hospital's growth objectives. This role involves working closely with the executive team to align financial goals with the mission of providing accessible, high-quality care to the community. Through strategic financial management, Dionne Viator secures the resources needed to sustain the hospital's role as a leading community teaching institution and regional healthcare provider.

Phyllis Melancon, the Chief Financial Officer, BOM Vermillion Hospital at Baton Rouge General, manages the specific financial operations and budgetary requirements for the Vermillion facility. Overseeing the revenue cycle and expense management for this specific unit, the Chief Financial Officer, BOM Vermillion Hospital ensures that local clinical services remain financially viable and efficient. Melancon monitors the performance of individual departments to identify opportunities for cost reduction and service improvement. By coordinating with the broader hospital leadership, the Chief Financial Officer, BOM Vermillion Hospital aligns local financial practices with the system-wide mission of delivering exceptional patient care. This role involves managing local vendor relationships and ensuring that the facility has the necessary funding to support its specific medical offerings. Through diligent financial oversight, Phyllis Melancon contributes to the overall success of the hospital system, ensuring that the Vermillion location continues to provide high-quality medical services to the surrounding community.

Beth Veazey, the President at Baton Rouge General, leads the overall strategic direction and operational execution of the hospital. Overseeing the entire administrative and clinical leadership team, the President ensures that the organization fulfills its mission as a community teaching hospital. Veazey drives initiatives to expand medical services and improve patient access across the region. By fostering partnerships with community stakeholders and medical professionals, the President strengthens the hospital's position as a vital healthcare resource. This role involves managing the complex balance between financial performance and the delivery of high-quality, compassionate care. Through visionary leadership, the President guides the hospital through the evolving challenges of the healthcare industry, ensuring that the institution remains committed to its core values. Beth Veazey maintains a focus on long-term growth and operational excellence, ensuring that the hospital continues to provide essential medical services to the community for years to come.

Pam Causey, the Auxillary President and Foundation Board of Governors at Baton Rouge General, directs the fundraising efforts and community engagement initiatives that support the hospital's mission. Overseeing the volunteer programs and philanthropic activities, the Auxillary President and Foundation Board of Governors ensures that the hospital receives the necessary community support to fund critical medical projects and facility improvements. Causey coordinates with the Foundation Board to manage endowments and charitable contributions, ensuring that all funds are directed toward enhancing patient care and medical education. By building strong relationships with donors and community leaders, the Auxillary President and Foundation Board of Governors expands the hospital's reach and impact. This role involves organizing events and outreach programs that raise awareness for the hospital's services, including behavioral health and cardiovascular treatment. Through dedicated leadership, Pam Causey secures the philanthropic foundation required to sustain the hospital's commitment to community health and excellence.

Erik Showalter, the President at Baton Rouge General, manages the daily operations and strategic growth of the hospital's clinical and administrative divisions. Overseeing the implementation of new medical programs and service lines, the President ensures that the hospital remains responsive to the changing healthcare needs of the community. Showalter directs the efforts of the executive team to optimize operational efficiency and improve the patient experience across all departments. By analyzing performance metrics and market data, the President identifies opportunities for service expansion and quality improvement. This role involves working with the Board to set long-term goals and ensure that the hospital maintains its status as a premier teaching institution. Through effective leadership and a focus on operational excellence, the President drives the hospital's mission to provide comprehensive, high-quality medical care. Erik Showalter ensures that the organization remains a pillar of the regional healthcare system, dedicated to the health and well-being of the community.

Nakia Newsome, the Vice Chief of Staff at Baton Rouge General, coordinates medical staff activities and ensures adherence to clinical standards across the hospital. Overseeing the professional conduct and credentialing of physicians, the Vice Chief of Staff maintains high levels of patient safety and care quality. Newsome facilitates communication between the medical staff and hospital administration to streamline clinical workflows and improve patient outcomes. By managing the complex requirements of a teaching hospital environment, the Vice Chief of Staff supports the educational mission while ensuring that all medical services meet rigorous regulatory benchmarks. This role involves resolving clinical disputes and fostering a collaborative environment among diverse medical departments. Through active engagement with the medical leadership team, Nakia Newsome drives initiatives that enhance the overall effectiveness of the hospital's clinical operations, ultimately ensuring that the community receives superior medical attention in every department, from behavioral health to cardiovascular treatment.

Bennett Cheramie, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Baton Rouge General, architects the digital infrastructure and data security protocols for the entire hospital system. Managing the integration of electronic health records and advanced diagnostic systems, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer ensures seamless information flow between clinical departments. Cheramie drives the adoption of innovative healthcare technologies to improve patient data accessibility and diagnostic accuracy. By overseeing the cybersecurity framework, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer protects sensitive patient information against evolving digital threats. This leadership role involves collaborating with clinical and administrative teams to implement software solutions that enhance operational efficiency and support the hospital's teaching mission. Through the strategic deployment of information technology, Bennett Cheramie enables the medical staff to deliver precise, data-driven care, ensuring that the hospital remains at the forefront of modern medical practice while maintaining robust digital resilience across all regional operations.

Aaron Witt, the Chief Medical Officer at Baton Rouge General, directs the clinical strategy and medical quality initiatives for the entire hospital. Overseeing the performance of all medical departments, the Chief Medical Officer ensures that patient care protocols align with the latest evidence-based practices. Witt manages the recruitment and retention of top-tier medical talent, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous learning within the teaching hospital environment. By collaborating with the nursing and administrative leadership, the Chief Medical Officer improves clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction scores. This role involves monitoring the effectiveness of specialized services, such as neonatal intensive care and cancer treatment, to ensure they meet the highest standards of safety and efficacy. Through active leadership in clinical governance, Aaron Witt drives the hospital's mission to provide superior medical care, ensuring that the institution remains a trusted leader in the regional healthcare landscape.

Brad Gaspard, the Chief Medical Officer, General Physicians (Baton Rouge) at Baton Rouge General, directs the clinical operations and physician performance for the General Physicians network. Overseeing the primary care and specialty services provided by the physician group, the Chief Medical Officer, General Physicians (Baton Rouge) ensures that all patient interactions meet the highest standards of quality and safety. Gaspard manages the integration of physician practices with the hospital's broader clinical systems to improve care coordination and patient outcomes. By implementing standardized clinical protocols, the Chief Medical Officer, General Physicians (Baton Rouge) enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of the physician network. This role involves mentoring medical staff and fostering a collaborative environment that supports the hospital's teaching mission. Through active leadership, Brad Gaspard ensures that the physician group provides consistent, high-quality medical care, strengthening the hospital's overall ability to serve the community's diverse healthcare needs.