Baton Rouge General Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Baton Rouge General has 10 executives leading key functions including information technology, financial management, medical oversight, and organizational leadership.

Committed to excellence in community healthcare, Baton Rouge General delivers comprehensive medical services ranging from neonatal intensive care to advanced cardiovascular treatment while maintaining a legacy of patient-centered care.

Leadership Roles at Baton Rouge General

  • Chief Financial Officer, BOM Vermillion Hospital - Phyllis Melancon
  • Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Dionne Viator
  • President - Beth Veazey
  • Auxillary President and Foundation Board of Governors - Pam Causey
  • President - Deborah Reeves
  • President - Erik Showalter
  • Vice President & Chief Information Officer - Bennett Cheramie
  • Vice Chief of Staff - Nakia Newsome
  • Chief Medical Officer - Aaron Witt
  • Chief Medical Officer, General Physicians (Baton Rouge) - Brad Gaspard
  • Phyllis Melancon - Chief Financial Officer, BOM Vermillion Hospital

    Phyllis Melancon, the Chief Financial Officer, BOM Vermillion Hospital at Baton Rouge General, manages fiscal operations and budgetary planning for specific regional clinical facilities. Melancon executes financial strategies that prioritize resource allocation for behavioral health and specialized treatment programs. By monitoring revenue cycles and cost-containment measures, the Chief Financial Officer, BOM Vermillion Hospital ensures the long-term sustainability of hospital services. This leadership role involves collaborating with executive teams to align financial performance with the mission of the community teaching hospital. Phyllis Melancon drives fiscal accountability by analyzing market trends and optimizing operational expenditures across the Vermillion service area. Through rigorous financial oversight, the Chief Financial Officer, BOM Vermillion Hospital supports the expansion of critical medical services. Ultimately, Melancon secures the financial health of the institution, enabling the continued provision of high-quality care to the diverse patient populations served by the hospital system.

    Dionne Viator - Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Dionne Viator, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Baton Rouge General, oversees the entire financial architecture and capital planning for the organization. Viator directs long-term investment strategies and manages the fiscal health of the community teaching hospital. By balancing operational budgets with the need for advanced medical technology, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures the institution remains competitive in the regional healthcare market. This leadership role involves coordinating with the Board of Governors to maintain financial transparency and regulatory compliance. Dionne Viator drives growth by identifying opportunities for revenue diversification and cost optimization across all departments. Through strategic financial modeling, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer supports the expansion of neonatal intensive care and cancer treatment services. Ultimately, Viator maintains the financial stability required to sustain the hospital's mission, ensuring that resources remain available for essential patient care initiatives.

    Beth Veazey - President

    Beth Veazey, the President at Baton Rouge General, leads the strategic direction and operational management of the hospital's primary clinical divisions. Veazey directs organizational initiatives that focus on expanding access to specialized medical services, including cardiovascular and behavioral health programs. By fostering partnerships with community stakeholders, the President ensures that the hospital remains responsive to the evolving healthcare needs of the region. This leadership role involves overseeing daily operations and ensuring that all departments function in alignment with the hospital's mission. Beth Veazey drives growth by championing patient-centered care models and investing in staff development. Through effective management of hospital resources, the President supports the delivery of high-quality medical care across all service lines. Ultimately, Veazey maintains the operational excellence of the institution, ensuring that the hospital continues to serve as a vital resource for the community.

    Pam Causey - Auxillary President and Foundation Board of Governors

    Pam Causey, the Auxillary President and Foundation Board of Governors at Baton Rouge General, manages philanthropic outreach and community engagement initiatives. Causey directs fundraising efforts that support the hospital's foundation, providing essential capital for new medical equipment and facility upgrades. By coordinating volunteer programs and community events, the Auxillary President and Foundation Board of Governors strengthens the relationship between the hospital and the public. This leadership role involves working with the Board of Governors to align charitable contributions with the hospital's strategic priorities. Pam Causey drives community support by highlighting the impact of donations on patient care and medical research. Through the management of foundation assets, the Auxillary President and Foundation Board of Governors ensures that philanthropic resources are utilized effectively to enhance hospital services. Ultimately, Causey fosters a culture of giving that sustains the long-term mission of the community teaching hospital.

    Deborah Reeves - President

    Deborah Reeves, the President at Baton Rouge General, oversees the strategic execution of hospital-wide initiatives and ensures the delivery of high-quality patient care. Reeves directs the implementation of operational policies that improve efficiency in neonatal and cardiovascular departments. By managing relationships with key medical partners, the President ensures that the hospital maintains its status as a leading community teaching facility. This leadership role involves coordinating with the executive team to address complex healthcare challenges and optimize service delivery. Deborah Reeves drives organizational success by promoting a culture of safety and clinical excellence. Through the oversight of hospital-wide performance, the President ensures that all departments meet the needs of the patient population. Ultimately, Reeves supports the long-term sustainability of the hospital, ensuring that the institution remains a cornerstone of medical care and community health in the region.

    Erik Showalter - President

    Erik Showalter, the President at Baton Rouge General, leads the strategic vision and operational oversight of the hospital's core medical services. Showalter directs the implementation of advanced treatment protocols in cancer care and cardiovascular health to ensure the highest standards of patient outcomes. By managing the hospital's administrative and clinical functions, the President ensures that the institution remains a leader in the community teaching hospital sector. This leadership role involves collaborating with the Board of Governors to set long-term goals and secure the resources necessary for facility expansion. Erik Showalter drives innovation by championing new medical technologies and supporting research initiatives. Through the effective management of hospital operations, the President ensures that all departments remain focused on patient-centered care. Ultimately, Showalter maintains the organizational integrity of the hospital, ensuring that the institution continues to provide essential medical services to the region.

    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 across the entire hospital network. Cheramie architects secure data management protocols to ensure seamless integration between clinical departments and administrative units. By modernizing electronic health records, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer optimizes clinical workflows and enhances patient data accessibility. This leadership role involves overseeing cybersecurity initiatives to protect sensitive medical information while supporting the broader technological needs of the community teaching hospital. Bennett Cheramie drives innovation by implementing advanced analytics tools that improve diagnostic accuracy and operational efficiency. Through the deployment of robust network solutions, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer maintains the technological backbone necessary for high-quality care delivery. Ultimately, Cheramie ensures that all digital assets align with the long-term strategic goals of the organization, fostering a secure environment for medical professionals and patients alike.

    Nakia Newsome - Vice Chief of Staff

    Nakia Newsome, the Vice Chief of Staff at Baton Rouge General, coordinates medical staff activities and ensures adherence to clinical standards across the hospital. Newsome facilitates communication between the medical staff and hospital administration to improve patient outcomes. By overseeing peer review processes and credentialing, the Vice Chief of Staff maintains the high quality of care expected at this community teaching hospital. This leadership role involves mentoring medical residents and fostering a collaborative environment among diverse clinical teams. Nakia Newsome drives excellence by implementing evidence-based practices in behavioral health and cardiovascular treatment. Through active participation in hospital governance, the Vice Chief of Staff ensures that clinical policies align with the broader strategic objectives of the organization. Ultimately, Newsome supports the medical staff in delivering compassionate, effective care, ensuring that the hospital remains a leader in regional medical services and patient safety.

    Aaron Witt - Chief Medical Officer

    Aaron Witt, the Chief Medical Officer at Baton Rouge General, directs clinical strategy and oversees the quality of medical services provided throughout the hospital. Witt architects clinical protocols that enhance patient safety and improve treatment efficacy in areas such as cancer care and neonatal intensive care. By leading multidisciplinary medical teams, the Chief Medical Officer ensures that all clinical operations meet rigorous national standards. This leadership role involves collaborating with the executive team to integrate new medical technologies into daily practice. Aaron Witt drives continuous improvement by analyzing clinical data and implementing performance metrics that track patient recovery rates. Through the oversight of medical staff development, the Chief Medical Officer fosters a culture of excellence and innovation. Ultimately, Witt ensures that the hospital maintains its reputation as a premier community teaching institution, providing high-quality, evidence-based care to the entire region.

    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 architects standardized care pathways that improve patient outcomes across primary and specialty care clinics. By overseeing physician performance and clinical quality, the Chief Medical Officer, General Physicians (Baton Rouge) ensures that all medical practices align with the hospital's high standards. This leadership role involves mentoring medical staff and integrating new clinical technologies into outpatient settings. Brad Gaspard drives efficiency by optimizing patient flow and reducing wait times in the physician network. Through the coordination of care between clinics and the main hospital, the Chief Medical Officer, General Physicians (Baton Rouge) ensures a seamless patient experience. Ultimately, Gaspard supports the growth of the physician network, ensuring that the community receives consistent, high-quality medical care throughout the entire Baton Rouge region.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Baton Rouge General Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Baton Rouge General?
    Baton Rouge General is led by Phyllis Melancon (Chief Financial Officer, BOM Vermillion Hospital), along with executives such as Dionne Viator (Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and Beth Veazey (President).
    Who is part of Baton Rouge General’s executive team?
    The executive team of Baton Rouge General includes leaders such as Phyllis Melancon (Chief Financial Officer, BOM Vermillion Hospital), Dionne Viator (Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), Beth Veazey (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Baton Rouge General have?
    Baton Rouge General has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Baton Rouge General’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Baton Rouge General includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, BOM Vermillion Hospital, Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, President, Auxillary President and Foundation Board of Governors, President.