LSU Health Sciences Center Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

LSU Health Sciences Center has 9 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, finance, operations, marketing, healthcare services, human resources, clinical affairs, and education.

Driven by a commitment to advancing health, LSU Health Sciences Center educates the majority of Louisiana's health care professionals, offering a broad spectrum of degree and certificate programs to meet the state's critical healthcare needs.

Leadership Roles at LSU Health Sciences Center

  • Chief Executive Officer - Donald Varnado
  • Interim Chief Executive Officer, Healthcare Services Division - Wayne Wilbright
  • Chief Financial Officer - Chad Thompson
  • Chief Operating Officer - Glenn Craig
  • President, Chapter, Education & Workforce Development - Jamie Terrell
  • Chief Information Officer - Kenneth Brown
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Kevin Sittig
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Jill Fragoso
  • Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs, Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology, Chief Medical Officer - Jayne Weiss
  • Donald Varnado - Chief Executive Officer

    Donald Varnado, the Chief Executive Officer at LSU Health Sciences Center, directs the overarching strategic vision and operational framework for the institution. Varnado guides the university's mission to educate health care professionals and advance health sciences through comprehensive academic programs. This leadership role involves fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across the six professional health schools to ensure the highest standards of education and research. By aligning institutional goals with the evolving needs of Louisiana's healthcare landscape, Donald Varnado drives the organization's commitment to excellence and innovation in health sciences education and patient care.

    Wayne Wilbright - Interim Chief Executive Officer, Healthcare Services Division

    Wayne Wilbright, the Interim Chief Executive Officer, Healthcare Services Division at LSU Health Sciences Center, leads the strategic direction and operational management of the university's healthcare services. Wilbright oversees the delivery of patient care, ensuring high standards of clinical excellence and patient satisfaction across all affiliated facilities. This pivotal role involves managing the integration of clinical practice with educational and research missions, fostering an environment of continuous improvement. By guiding the healthcare services division, Wayne Wilbright ensures LSU Health Sciences Center effectively serves the healthcare needs of the community while advancing medical knowledge.

    Chad Thompson - Chief Financial Officer

    Chad Thompson, the Chief Financial Officer at LSU Health Sciences Center, manages the institution's fiscal health and financial planning. Thompson directs all financial operations, including budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability. This leadership position involves developing financial strategies that support the university's educational and research objectives while adhering to regulatory requirements. By optimizing resource allocation and managing financial risks, Chad Thompson ensures the long-term financial stability necessary for LSU Health Sciences Center to fulfill its mission of educating Louisiana's healthcare professionals.

    Glenn Craig - Chief Operating Officer

    Glenn Craig, the Chief Operating Officer at LSU Health Sciences Center, oversees the day-to-day operational efficiency and resource management across the university. Craig directs the implementation of operational strategies that support the institution's academic programs and healthcare services, ensuring seamless integration between administrative functions and core mission objectives. This role involves optimizing processes, managing facilities, and enhancing service delivery to support faculty, staff, and students. By driving operational excellence, Glenn Craig ensures LSU Health Sciences Center effectively utilizes its resources to achieve its educational and healthcare service goals.

    Jamie Terrell - President, Chapter, Education & Workforce Development

    Jamie Terrell, the President, Chapter, Education & Workforce Development at LSU Health Sciences Center, spearheads initiatives focused on educational advancement and workforce preparedness. Terrell directs programs designed to enhance learning opportunities and develop a skilled healthcare workforce pipeline for Louisiana. This leadership position involves fostering strategic partnerships and developing innovative educational models to meet evolving industry demands. By championing educational excellence and workforce development, Jamie Terrell ensures LSU Health Sciences Center remains a vital contributor to the state's healthcare sector and economic growth.

    Kenneth Brown - Chief Information Officer

    Kenneth Brown, the Chief Information Officer at LSU Health Sciences Center, architects the institution's technology infrastructure and digital strategy. Brown oversees the implementation and management of all information systems, ensuring robust data security and seamless technological operations across academic and clinical settings. This critical role involves leveraging technology to enhance educational delivery, support cutting-edge research, and improve patient care outcomes. By driving digital transformation initiatives, Kenneth Brown ensures LSU Health Sciences Center remains at the forefront of technological advancement in health sciences education and healthcare delivery.
    Kenneth Brown

    Kevin Sittig - Chief Marketing Officer

    Kevin Sittig, the Chief Marketing Officer at LSU Health Sciences Center, develops and executes comprehensive marketing and communication strategies. Sittig directs initiatives to enhance the university's brand visibility, attract prospective students, and promote its educational and research achievements. This position involves overseeing all aspects of marketing, public relations, and digital outreach to effectively communicate the value and impact of LSU Health Sciences Center. By crafting compelling narratives and engaging target audiences, Kevin Sittig strengthens the institution's reputation and supports its growth objectives.

    Jill Fragoso - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Jill Fragoso, the Chief Human Resources Officer at LSU Health Sciences Center, directs the comprehensive human capital management strategy for the institution. Fragoso oversees all aspects of HR, including talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation and benefits, and professional development, ensuring a supportive and productive work environment. This leadership role is crucial for attracting, retaining, and developing the diverse workforce necessary to achieve the university's educational and healthcare objectives. By championing employee well-being and fostering a culture of engagement, Jill Fragoso supports the sustained success of LSU Health Sciences Center.

    Jayne Weiss - Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs, Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology, Chief Medical Officer

    Jayne Weiss, the Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs, Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology, Chief Medical Officer at LSU Health Sciences Center, provides critical leadership across clinical operations, academic ophthalmology, and overall medical affairs. Weiss directs the strategic development and execution of clinical programs, ensuring the highest quality of patient care and medical education. This multifaceted role involves overseeing departmental growth, advancing research initiatives within ophthalmology, and ensuring alignment with the institution's broader clinical and educational mission. By integrating clinical excellence with academic rigor, Jayne Weiss significantly contributes to the advancement of health sciences and patient outcomes.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding LSU Health Sciences Center Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads LSU Health Sciences Center?
    LSU Health Sciences Center is led by Donald Varnado (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Wayne Wilbright (Interim Chief Executive Officer, Healthcare Services Division) and Chad Thompson (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of LSU Health Sciences Center’s executive team?
    The executive team of LSU Health Sciences Center includes leaders such as Donald Varnado (Chief Executive Officer), Wayne Wilbright (Interim Chief Executive Officer, Healthcare Services Division), Chad Thompson (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does LSU Health Sciences Center have?
    LSU Health Sciences Center has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in LSU Health Sciences Center’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of LSU Health Sciences Center includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Interim Chief Executive Officer, Healthcare Services Division, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President, Chapter, Education & Workforce Development.