St Tammany Health System Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

St Tammany Health System has 9 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, human resources, finance, technology, legal, medical oversight, and regional administration.

Dedicated to community wellness, St Tammany Health System delivers comprehensive medical services ranging from maternity care to advanced cardiology, ensuring accessible healthcare excellence for families across the region.

Leadership Roles at St Tammany Health System

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Joan Coffman
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Patti Ellish
  • Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Sandra DiPietro
  • Chief Operating Officer - Jack Khashou
  • President - April Owen
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Christopher Ford
  • Vice President & Chief Information Officer - Craig Doyle
  • Chief Legal Officer - Fache Lesleigh Hall
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer - Patrick Torcson
  • Joan Coffman - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Joan Coffman, the President & Chief Executive Officer at St Tammany Health System, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire organization. Coffman oversees the integration of comprehensive breast care, maternity services, and pediatric programs to ensure high-quality patient outcomes. By aligning clinical goals with community health needs, the President & Chief Executive Officer drives sustainable growth across all outpatient facilities and emergency departments. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to maintain financial health while expanding specialized medical treatment options. Joan Coffman prioritizes the delivery of accessible healthcare, ensuring that every clinic maintains rigorous standards of excellence. Through proactive management of regional healthcare initiatives, the President & Chief Executive Officer secures the long-term viability of the system, ultimately fostering a healthier community environment for families and individuals seeking specialized medical care throughout the service area.
    Joan Coffman

    Patti Ellish - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Patti Ellish, the President & Chief Executive Officer at St Tammany Health System, manages the operational expansion and long-term development of the health network. Ellish focuses on the optimization of cancer care and cardiology services, ensuring that advanced medical technology remains available to the local population. As the President & Chief Executive Officer, Ellish coordinates with department heads to streamline patient intake processes and improve overall service efficiency. This position requires a deep understanding of the healthcare landscape to navigate complex regulatory environments while maintaining a focus on patient-centered care. Patti Ellish drives initiatives that enhance the quality of life for community members by bridging the gap between primary care and specialized medical interventions. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that the organization remains a leader in providing high-quality, accessible medical services across all facilities.

    Sandra DiPietro - Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Sandra DiPietro, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at St Tammany Health System, manages the fiscal health and long-term financial planning for the organization. DiPietro oversees capital investments in medical technology and facility upgrades, ensuring that the system remains competitive in the healthcare market. By analyzing revenue streams from various specialty services, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer drives cost-effective strategies that support the expansion of primary and emergency care. This role involves close collaboration with the executive team to balance budgetary constraints with the commitment to accessible community healthcare. Sandra DiPietro ensures that financial resources are allocated to maximize patient outcomes and operational efficiency. Through meticulous oversight of financial reporting and risk management, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer secures the economic stability of the health system. DiPietro directly supports the mission by providing the necessary funding to sustain high-quality medical services for all patients.
    Sandra DiPietro

    Jack Khashou - Chief Operating Officer

    Jack Khashou, the Chief Operating Officer at St Tammany Health System, manages the daily logistical functions of all clinics and outpatient facilities. Khashou oversees the physical infrastructure and supply chain requirements necessary to support emergency and primary care services. By optimizing resource allocation, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that medical staff possess the tools required for effective patient treatment. This role involves constant monitoring of operational workflows to identify bottlenecks and implement scalable solutions that improve patient throughput. Jack Khashou drives efficiency across the entire health system, ensuring that facilities remain fully equipped to handle diverse medical needs. Through rigorous oversight of facility maintenance and administrative support systems, the Chief Operating Officer maintains the high standards of care expected by the community. Khashou directly impacts the operational success of the organization by aligning internal processes with the broader mission of providing accessible, quality healthcare services.
    Jack Khashou

    April Owen - President

    April Owen, the President at St Tammany Health System, manages the regional administration and community outreach efforts for the organization. Owen oversees the development of partnerships with local stakeholders to expand the reach of primary and emergency care services. By focusing on the specific health needs of families and expecting mothers, the President drives initiatives that increase accessibility to specialized medical treatment. This role involves coordinating with various departments to ensure that community programs align with the broader mission of improving health and wellbeing. April Owen manages the strategic positioning of the health system within the regional market, ensuring that services remain responsive to local demands. Through proactive engagement with the community, the President strengthens the bond between the health system and the public. Owen ensures that the organization continues to serve as a vital resource for health, ultimately supporting the long-term goal of providing quality medical care to all residents.

    Christopher Ford - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Christopher Ford, the Chief Human Resources Officer at St Tammany Health System, directs the talent acquisition and workforce development strategies for the entire medical network. Ford oversees the recruitment of specialized medical professionals, including cardiologists and pediatricians, to ensure the highest quality of care. By implementing comprehensive training programs, the Chief Human Resources Officer fosters a culture of professional excellence and employee retention. This leadership role involves managing labor relations and ensuring that all staff members align with the core mission of community health improvement. Christopher Ford drives organizational performance by optimizing human capital and promoting a supportive work environment. Through the development of robust compensation and benefits structures, the Chief Human Resources Officer attracts top-tier talent to the region. Ford ensures that the workforce remains prepared to meet the evolving health needs of families and expecting mothers, ultimately strengthening the overall service capacity of the health system.

    Craig Doyle - Vice President & Chief Information Officer

    Craig Doyle, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer at St Tammany Health System, directs the digital transformation and information technology infrastructure of the entire network. Doyle oversees the implementation of electronic health records and secure data management systems to improve patient care coordination. By integrating advanced diagnostic tools with clinical workflows, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer drives technological innovation across all outpatient facilities. This role involves protecting sensitive patient information while ensuring that medical staff have seamless access to critical health data. Craig Doyle manages the cybersecurity posture of the organization to maintain trust and compliance with healthcare regulations. Through the deployment of modern communication platforms, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer enhances the connectivity between primary care providers and specialists. Doyle ensures that the health system leverages data-driven insights to improve the wellbeing of the community, ultimately supporting the delivery of efficient and high-quality medical services.
    Craig Doyle
    Fache Lesleigh Hall, the Chief Legal Officer at St Tammany Health System, manages all regulatory compliance and legal affairs for the organization. Hall oversees the development of policies that govern patient privacy, medical ethics, and corporate governance. By providing strategic legal counsel to the executive team, the Chief Legal Officer ensures that all clinical operations adhere to state and federal healthcare standards. This role involves mitigating risk through proactive contract management and the resolution of complex legal challenges. Fache Lesleigh Hall drives the organization toward operational integrity by fostering a culture of transparency and accountability. Through the oversight of legal frameworks, the Chief Legal Officer protects the interests of the health system while supporting the mission of providing accessible care. Hall ensures that all medical services, from cancer care to maternity support, operate within a secure and compliant environment, ultimately safeguarding the reputation and long-term success of the entire health system.

    Patrick Torcson - Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer

    Patrick Torcson, the Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at St Tammany Health System, directs the clinical standards and medical quality initiatives across all facilities. Torcson oversees the performance of physicians and clinical staff, ensuring that patient care protocols meet the highest benchmarks for safety and efficacy. By leading peer review processes and clinical research efforts, the Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer drives continuous improvement in cardiology, oncology, and pediatric services. This role involves collaborating with other executives to integrate evidence-based medicine into daily practice. Patrick Torcson ensures that the health system remains at the forefront of medical innovation, providing families with access to advanced treatment options. Through the oversight of clinical outcomes, the Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer maintains the reputation of the organization as a provider of quality healthcare. Torcson directly impacts patient wellbeing by fostering a culture of clinical excellence and professional development.
    Patrick Torcson

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding St Tammany Health System Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads St Tammany Health System?
    St Tammany Health System is led by Joan Coffman (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Patti Ellish (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Sandra DiPietro (Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of St Tammany Health System’s executive team?
    The executive team of St Tammany Health System includes leaders such as Joan Coffman (President & Chief Executive Officer), Patti Ellish (President & Chief Executive Officer), Sandra DiPietro (Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does St Tammany Health System have?
    St Tammany Health System has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in St Tammany Health System’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of St Tammany Health System includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President.