Ochsner Health Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Ochsner Health has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, clinical operations, regional administration, financial management, and information technology.

Committed to advancing patient care across the Gulf South, Ochsner Health delivers comprehensive medical services through a vast network of academic hospitals and clinics, prioritizing community wellness and clinical excellence.

Leadership Roles at Ochsner Health

  • Chief Executive Officer - Mary Deynoodt
  • Chief Executive Officer, Ochsner Medical Center - Beth Walker
  • Chief Executive Officer At Ochsner Bayou Region - Fernis LeBlanc
  • Chief Executive Officer & River Region Officer - Abdul Khan
  • Chief Executive Officer (St. Charles Parish Hospital) - Keith Dacus
  • Chief Executive Officer, Ochsner Medical Center Bank Campus (West) - Kelly Haynie
  • Chief Financial Officer - Erika Anderson
  • Chief Financial Officer, Northern Region - John Shaughnessy
  • Chief Operating Officer - Sheri Eschete
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer - Amy Rn
  • Mary Deynoodt - Chief Executive Officer

    Mary Deynoodt, the Chief Executive Officer at Ochsner Health, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire academic healthcare system. By aligning clinical outcomes with organizational growth, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that the network maintains its status as the premier provider in Louisiana. Deynoodt oversees the integration of complex medical services across the expansive multi-state footprint, fostering collaboration between administrative leadership and medical staff. This leadership role involves driving long-term sustainability while expanding access to high-quality care for diverse patient populations. Through rigorous oversight of system-wide performance metrics, Mary Deynoodt optimizes operational efficiency and resource allocation. The Chief Executive Officer champions initiatives that elevate patient safety standards and clinical innovation, ultimately securing the reputation of the organization as a leader in the healthcare industry. Deynoodt maintains a focus on scalable growth and community health impact.
    Mary Deynoodt

    Beth Walker - Chief Executive Officer, Ochsner Medical Center

    Beth Walker, the Chief Executive Officer, Ochsner Medical Center at Ochsner Health, manages the daily operations of the flagship hospital facility. As the leader of the primary academic hub, the Chief Executive Officer, Ochsner Medical Center coordinates complex surgical services, specialized research programs, and high-acuity patient care delivery. Walker drives the implementation of advanced medical technologies to ensure the facility remains at the forefront of clinical excellence. By collaborating with department heads and medical directors, the Chief Executive Officer, Ochsner Medical Center maintains rigorous quality standards and operational throughput. Beth Walker focuses on enhancing the patient experience while managing the intricate logistics of a large-scale medical center. This role requires constant attention to staffing, resource management, and the integration of academic training programs. Walker secures the operational success of the flagship campus through disciplined management and a commitment to superior clinical outcomes.
    Beth Walker

    Fernis LeBlanc - Chief Executive Officer At Ochsner Bayou Region

    Fernis LeBlanc, the Chief Executive Officer At Ochsner Bayou Region at Ochsner Health, architects the delivery of healthcare services across the specific geographic footprint of the Bayou area. The Chief Executive Officer At Ochsner Bayou Region oversees the integration of local clinics and medical centers into the broader system, ensuring consistent care standards. LeBlanc drives regional growth by identifying community health needs and expanding service lines to meet local demand. By managing regional partnerships and coordinating with system-wide leadership, the Chief Executive Officer At Ochsner Bayou Region optimizes the delivery of primary and specialty care. Fernis LeBlanc focuses on improving access to medical services for residents in the Bayou region, fostering strong relationships with local stakeholders. This leadership role involves balancing operational efficiency with the unique requirements of the regional patient population. LeBlanc ensures that the Bayou region remains a vital component of the overall health system.

    Abdul Khan - Chief Executive Officer & River Region Officer

    Abdul Khan, the Chief Executive Officer & River Region Officer at Ochsner Health, directs the strategic operations and administrative functions within the River Region. The Chief Executive Officer & River Region Officer oversees the performance of medical facilities, ensuring alignment with the mission of the broader health system. Khan drives initiatives to improve clinical quality and operational efficiency across all regional clinics and hospitals. By managing the integration of specialized services, the Chief Executive Officer & River Region Officer enhances the availability of care for the local community. Abdul Khan focuses on building robust operational frameworks that support sustainable growth and patient satisfaction. This role involves coordinating with other regional leaders to share best practices and optimize resource utilization. Khan secures the operational health of the River Region through proactive management and a commitment to delivering high-quality medical services to the population.

    Keith Dacus - Chief Executive Officer (St. Charles Parish Hospital)

    Keith Dacus, the Chief Executive Officer (St. Charles Parish Hospital) at Ochsner Health, manages the clinical and administrative operations of the St. Charles Parish facility. The Chief Executive Officer (St. Charles Parish Hospital) drives the implementation of system-wide protocols to ensure high-quality care delivery at the local level. Dacus oversees the daily functions of the hospital, including staffing, patient services, and facility maintenance. By fostering a culture of clinical excellence, the Chief Executive Officer (St. Charles Parish Hospital) ensures that the facility meets the specific health needs of the parish community. Keith Dacus focuses on optimizing operational workflows to improve patient outcomes and hospital efficiency. This leadership role involves coordinating with system leadership to integrate local services into the broader network. Dacus secures the long-term viability of the hospital through disciplined management and a focus on community-centered healthcare delivery.
    Keith Dacus

    Kelly Haynie - Chief Executive Officer, Ochsner Medical Center Bank Campus (West)

    Kelly Haynie, the Chief Executive Officer, Ochsner Medical Center Bank Campus (West) at Ochsner Health, directs the operational activities of the West Bank campus. The Chief Executive Officer, Ochsner Medical Center Bank Campus (West) oversees the delivery of specialized medical services and ensures that the facility maintains high standards of patient care. Haynie drives the integration of clinical programs to support the needs of the local population. By managing the daily operations of the campus, the Chief Executive Officer, Ochsner Medical Center Bank Campus (West) optimizes resource allocation and staff performance. Kelly Haynie focuses on enhancing the patient experience and improving clinical outcomes through effective leadership and strategic planning. This role involves coordinating with system-wide departments to ensure seamless care transitions. Haynie secures the operational success of the West Bank campus by maintaining a focus on quality, safety, and community health.

    Erika Anderson - Chief Financial Officer

    Erika Anderson, the Chief Financial Officer at Ochsner Health, manages the fiscal health and long-term financial strategy of the entire healthcare system. The Chief Financial Officer oversees budgeting, revenue cycle management, and capital investment planning to support the expansion of medical services. Anderson drives financial performance by analyzing market trends and optimizing cost structures across all hospitals and clinics. By collaborating with the executive team, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial resources align with the strategic goals of the organization. Erika Anderson focuses on maintaining the fiscal stability required to invest in advanced medical technology and infrastructure. This leadership role involves rigorous oversight of financial reporting and compliance. Anderson secures the economic foundation of the system, enabling the continued delivery of high-quality care to patients across the region through disciplined financial stewardship and strategic resource management.

    John Shaughnessy - Chief Financial Officer, Northern Region

    John Shaughnessy, the Chief Financial Officer, Northern Region at Ochsner Health, manages the financial operations and fiscal planning for the northern geographic territory. The Chief Financial Officer, Northern Region oversees regional budgeting, revenue management, and cost control initiatives to ensure the financial health of local facilities. Shaughnessy drives regional performance by monitoring financial metrics and identifying opportunities for operational improvement. By collaborating with regional leadership, the Chief Financial Officer, Northern Region ensures that financial resources support the delivery of high-quality care in the northern market. John Shaughnessy focuses on maintaining fiscal discipline while supporting the growth of medical services in the region. This leadership role involves coordinating with system-wide finance teams to ensure alignment with corporate financial goals. Shaughnessy secures the economic stability of the northern region through proactive financial management and strategic oversight of regional assets.

    Sheri Eschete - Chief Operating Officer

    Sheri Eschete, the Chief Operating Officer at Ochsner Health, directs the day-to-day operational functions across the entire network of hospitals and clinics. The Chief Operating Officer oversees the integration of clinical and administrative workflows to ensure seamless patient care delivery. Eschete drives operational efficiency by implementing standardized processes and optimizing the use of medical facilities. By coordinating with regional leaders, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that all locations adhere to the high quality and safety standards of the system. Sheri Eschete focuses on improving throughput and resource utilization to enhance the overall patient experience. This leadership role involves managing complex logistics and supporting the operational needs of the clinical staff. Eschete secures the operational excellence of the organization by fostering a culture of continuous improvement and ensuring that all systems function in harmony to support patient health.
    Sheri Eschete

    Amy Rn - Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer

    Amy Rn, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Ochsner Health, architects the digital infrastructure and information technology strategy for the entire healthcare system. The Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer oversees the implementation of electronic health records, cybersecurity protocols, and data analytics platforms. Rn drives the adoption of innovative digital health solutions to improve clinical decision-making and patient engagement. By managing the IT department, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer ensures that all medical facilities have access to reliable and secure technology. Amy Rn focuses on leveraging data to enhance operational efficiency and clinical outcomes across the network. This leadership role involves collaborating with the executive team to align technology investments with the strategic mission of the organization. Rn secures the digital future of the system by maintaining robust and scalable information technology frameworks.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Ochsner Health Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Ochsner Health?
    Ochsner Health is led by Mary Deynoodt (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Beth Walker (Chief Executive Officer, Ochsner Medical Center) and Fernis LeBlanc (Chief Executive Officer At Ochsner Bayou Region).
    Who is part of Ochsner Health’s executive team?
    The executive team of Ochsner Health includes leaders such as Mary Deynoodt (Chief Executive Officer), Beth Walker (Chief Executive Officer, Ochsner Medical Center), Fernis LeBlanc (Chief Executive Officer At Ochsner Bayou Region) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Ochsner Health have?
    Ochsner Health has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Ochsner Health’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Ochsner Health includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer, Ochsner Medical Center, Chief Executive Officer At Ochsner Bayou Region, Chief Executive Officer & River Region Officer, Chief Executive Officer (St. Charles Parish Hospital).