News Summary
Michele Kidd Sutton has been officially installed as the new chair of the Louisiana Hospital Association Board of Trustees during the annual membership meeting on July 21. With 37 years of experience at North Oaks Health System, her leadership is expected to significantly enhance the healthcare landscape in Louisiana. The LHA focuses on advocacy, education, and services to improve healthcare access and outcomes in the state.
BATON ROUGE – Michele Kidd Sutton has been officially installed as the new chair of the Louisiana Hospital Association (LHA) Board of Trustees, marking a significant step in her long-standing commitment to the state’s healthcare system. The installation ceremony took place during LHA’s annual membership meeting on July 21.
In her new role, Sutton, who has served as president and CEO of North Oaks Health System for nine years, will lead a board dedicated to supporting hospitals and healthcare systems across Louisiana. The LHA, established in 1926, is a non-profit organization focused on advocacy, education, and services to enhance healthcare access and improve health outcomes in the state.
Paul A. Salles, president and CEO of the LHA, praised both new and returning board members for their dedication to the mission of the LHA. The organization works to ensure that its member hospitals can efficiently and effectively provide high-quality care to their communities.
Sutton’s Experience and Background
Sutton has dedicated 37 years to the North Oaks Health System, which is recognized as one of Louisiana’s largest community hospital organizations. The system is strategically situated between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, serving the Tangipahoa and Livingston parishes through a variety of facilities, including a Level II trauma center and outpatient diagnostic centers.
Her involvement with the LHA began in 1988, where she has held multiple leadership positions, including chair-elect, treasurer, trustee, and chair of the Legislative Regulatory & Policy Committee. Additionally, she has participated in the LHA Trust Funds Board, contributing to the association’s strategic financial goals.
National Engagement and Community Leadership
Beyond her role with LHA, Sutton is an active member of national and state healthcare organizations. She currently chairs the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), an organization committed to promoting excellence in healthcare leadership. Sutton is a board-certified fellow in healthcare management through ACHE and has served as past Louisiana regent and member of the Board of Governors of ACHE.
Her community engagement extends beyond healthcare, as she is a member of the Committee of 100 for Economic Development, Inc., and serves on the Louisiana Emergency Response Network State Commission, having been appointed by both former Governor John Bel Edwards and current Governor Jeff Landry. Sutton is also involved in the Northshore Business Council and the Northshore Healthscape Collaborative, as well as serving as a past-president of the Rotary Club of Hammond.
Commitment to Education and Community
Throughout her career, Sutton has demonstrated her commitment to local institutions by being a lifetime member and former board member of Southeastern’s Alumni Association and serving as board member and past president of the Lions Athletic Association. Additionally, she has held various roles, including board chairman at the Tangipahoa Chamber, since 1985, showcasing her dedication to the community’s economic and healthcare development.
Impact of North Oaks Health System
The North Oaks Health System plays a crucial role in the healthcare infrastructure of the region, providing essential services and facilities that cater to the needs of its communities. With a robust network that includes a primary stroke center and urgent care clinics, North Oaks Health System is equipped to handle a range of healthcare needs.
For more information about the services offered by North Oaks Health System, interested individuals can visit their website or contact them directly. Additionally, details about the Louisiana Hospital Association and its initiatives can be found on their website or through their contact number.
This appointment of Michele Kidd Sutton as chair of the LHA Board of Trustees signals a continued effort to address and enhance the healthcare landscape in Louisiana, ensuring that both current and future challenges can be met with effective solutions.
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