Baton Rouge General Executive and Leadership Team

Phyllis Melancon, the Chief Financial Officer, BOM Vermillion Hospital at Baton Rouge General, directs financial operations and fiscal strategy for the Vermillion Hospital division. This leadership role involves managing budgets, optimizing revenue cycles, and ensuring financial compliance across all departments. Melancon oversees financial planning, resource allocation, and the implementation of cost-control measures to support the hospital's operational efficiency and long-term sustainability. By analyzing financial data, Phyllis Melancon identifies opportunities for fiscal improvement and guides investment decisions to enhance patient care services and infrastructure development. The Chief Financial Officer, BOM Vermillion Hospital also collaborates with other senior leaders to align financial objectives with the broader strategic goals of Baton Rouge General, ensuring fiscal health and growth for the Vermillion facility.

Dionne Viator, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Baton Rouge General, directs the overall financial health and strategic fiscal planning for the entire organization. This executive leadership position encompasses managing all financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, and capital management across all Baton Rouge General facilities. Viator is responsible for optimizing revenue streams, controlling expenditures, and ensuring compliance with healthcare financial regulations. The Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer collaborates closely with the President and other C-suite executives to develop financial strategies that support the hospital's mission of providing comprehensive medical services, such as cancer treatment and neonatal intensive care. Dionne Viator's oversight ensures the financial stability necessary for continued investment in advanced medical technologies and patient care initiatives.

Beth Veazey, the President at Baton Rouge General, directs the overall strategic vision and operational management of the hospital system. This leadership position involves guiding all aspects of the organization, from clinical services to administrative functions, ensuring alignment with the mission of providing comprehensive community healthcare. Veazey oversees the implementation of strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing patient care, expanding service offerings like behavioral health and cancer treatment, and fostering a culture of excellence. The President collaborates with the Board of Governors and senior leadership to drive growth, financial stability, and innovation in healthcare delivery. Beth Veazey's executive oversight ensures that Baton Rouge General remains a leading teaching hospital committed to advancing medical education and patient well-being in Louisiana.

Erik Showalter, the President at Baton Rouge General, spearheads the strategic direction and operational execution for the hospital network. This executive role involves leading all facets of the organization, ensuring the delivery of advanced medical services and maintaining the hospital's status as a community teaching institution. Showalter focuses on enhancing patient experience, optimizing clinical workflows, and driving growth in key service lines such as cardiovascular treatment and neonatal intensive care. The President works closely with the executive team and medical staff to foster innovation and uphold the highest standards of care. Erik Showalter's leadership is critical in navigating the evolving healthcare landscape, ensuring Baton Rouge General continues to meet the community's needs through exceptional medical expertise and compassionate service.

Pam Causey, the Auxillary President and Foundation Board of Governors at Baton Rouge General, leads initiatives focused on community engagement and philanthropic support for the hospital. This leadership role involves guiding the Auxiliary's volunteer efforts and overseeing the Foundation Board's strategic direction for fundraising and resource development. Causey works to secure financial contributions that support patient care programs, medical equipment acquisition, and facility enhancements, particularly for specialized services like neonatal intensive care and cancer treatment. The Auxillary President and Foundation Board of Governors fosters strong relationships with donors and community partners, championing the hospital's mission. Pam Causey's dedication ensures vital resources are available to advance Baton Rouge General's commitment to providing exceptional healthcare and medical education.

Deborah Reeves, the President at Baton Rouge General, drives the strategic vision and operational excellence across the hospital system. This executive leadership role encompasses overseeing all clinical and administrative functions, ensuring the delivery of comprehensive medical services and maintaining the hospital's commitment to community teaching. Reeves focuses on advancing patient care quality, expanding access to specialized treatments such as cardiovascular and cancer care, and fostering innovation within the healthcare environment. The President collaborates with the Board of Governors and senior management to achieve organizational goals and enhance the hospital's impact. Deborah Reeves' leadership ensures Baton Rouge General continues to provide high-quality, compassionate healthcare and serves as a vital resource for medical education and patient well-being in Louisiana.

Bennett Cheramie, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Baton Rouge General, architects and executes the organization's technology strategy. This involves overseeing all aspects of information systems, digital infrastructure, and data security to support clinical operations and administrative functions. Cheramie drives innovation in healthcare technology, implementing solutions that enhance patient care delivery, improve operational efficiency, and ensure data integrity. The Vice President & Chief Information Officer manages the IT department, guiding teams responsible for network management, electronic health records, cybersecurity, and telecommunications. Bennett Cheramie ensures that technology investments align with Baton Rouge General's mission to provide advanced medical services, including behavioral health, neonatal intensive care, and cardiovascular treatment, by fostering a secure and robust digital environment.

Nakia Newsome, the Vice Chief of Staff at Baton Rouge General, supports the Chief of Staff in overseeing the medical staff and ensuring the highest standards of clinical practice. This role involves advocating for physicians, facilitating communication between medical staff and hospital administration, and contributing to policy development related to patient care. Newsome assists in the coordination of medical services, ensuring seamless integration of care across various departments, including behavioral health, cancer treatment, and cardiovascular services. The Vice Chief of Staff plays a crucial part in quality improvement initiatives and peer review processes, upholding the hospital's commitment to excellence in medical treatment. Nakia Newsome's leadership contributes to maintaining a collaborative environment that prioritizes patient safety and effective medical outcomes.

Aaron De, the Chief Medical Officer at Baton Rouge General, leads the clinical strategy and ensures the delivery of high-quality patient care across all medical services. This executive role involves overseeing medical staff performance, implementing clinical protocols, and driving quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient outcomes. De is responsible for maintaining adherence to medical best practices and regulatory standards, particularly in areas like neonatal intensive care, cancer treatment, and cardiovascular services. The Chief Medical Officer collaborates with hospital leadership to align clinical operations with the organization's mission and strategic objectives. Aaron De champions initiatives that promote patient safety, clinical excellence, and the advancement of medical knowledge through the hospital's teaching programs, ensuring effective and compassionate healthcare delivery.

Brad Gaspard, the Chief Medical Officer, General Physicians (Baton Rouge) at Baton Rouge General, leads the clinical operations and quality initiatives for the physician group. This role focuses on ensuring high standards of medical practice, patient safety, and effective care coordination within the physician network. Gaspard oversees the implementation of clinical guidelines and performance metrics designed to enhance patient outcomes and satisfaction across all physician practices. The Chief Medical Officer, General Physicians (Baton Rouge) collaborates with hospital leadership to integrate physician services seamlessly with broader hospital offerings, including behavioral health and cancer treatment. Brad Gaspard's leadership supports the development of a cohesive medical community dedicated to providing exceptional patient care and advancing healthcare delivery in the Baton Rouge area.