Laurinda Calongne, EdD | Executive Director
Dr. Laurinda Calongne serves as the inaugural Executive Director of the Franciscan Center for Professional Development (FCPD) at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University. With a distinguished background in education, leadership, and strategic planning, Dr. Calongne is leading the Center’s growth and expanding its impact on professional and continuing education. She holds multiple advanced degrees, including a Doctor of Education in Leadership and Management, and an executive certification in Strategy and Innovation from MIT. Her career highlights include serving on the Council on Graduate Medical Education (COGME) and leading the transition of Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center into a nationally recognized academic institution. As Executive Director, Dr. Calongne aligns the Center’s initiatives with the University’s Catholic Franciscan mission, develops new programs, and fosters partnerships to expand educational opportunities. Her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is central to her leadership.
Kathy Achee, RN, BSN, MBA, CNOR |Director of Surgical Services at Our Lady of the Lake Ascension
Kathy Achee has been a Registered Nurse for 29 years and is the Director of Surgical Services at Our Lady of the Lake Ascension. Kathy is a Certified Perioperative Nurse in the Operating Room (CNOR) and graduated from Excelsior College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. She also earned a Master of Business Administration Degree in Healthcare Management from Western Governors University.
Kathy graduated from Leadership Ascension in 2014 where she met lifelong friends and learned a lot about Ascension Parish and the community in which she lives. She has been married to Dwayne Achee for 27 years and has two children: Ryan, 24 years old, graduated from LSU and Madison, 22 years old, graduated in Nursing from Nicholls State University. Kathy looks forward to being a part of the Franciscan Center for Professional Development Advisory Board..
Martin Aucoin, MA | Vice President for Enrollment Management at FranU
Martin Aucoin joined Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University as Vice President for Enrollment Management in August 2023. He is passionate about Servant Leadership and Strategic Enrollment Management, with a focus on supporting mission-driven institutions in achieving healthy enrollment, expanding college access, and fostering student success. A native of New Orleans, Aucoin returned to Louisiana from North Carolina, where he served at Southwestern Community College as the Director of Enrollment Management and at Belmont Abbey College in various roles, his most recent being Vice Provost and Dean of Admissions. Aucoin brings over ten years of enrollment experience and expertise in recruitment, marketing, financial aid, event planning, project development, outreach, data analysis, leadership training, and student affairs. Aucoin received a Master of Arts in Higher Education with a concentration in Community College and University Leadership from Appalachian State University. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Government and Political Philosophy from Belmont Abbey College. He lives near campus with his wife, Mary, and their four children.
Heather Barnes, NP-C | Director of Quality, Performance Improvement, and Infection Prevention at St. Dominic's Hospital
With over 24 years of experience as a Nurse Practitioner, Heather Barnes has transitioned from direct patient care to administrative leadership, where she now oversees operations and seeks ways to enhance patient care. Her career journey has been driven by a commitment to observing trends and developing improvements as needed. In her previous roles, she maintained oversight of 18 Primary Care and Physical Therapy clinics, collaborating with providers, managers, and staff to ensure patient access to care while achieving strong financial outcomes. Her focus is on metrics measured by CMS, LeapFrog, U.S. News & World Report, and other regulatory bodies that monitor the performance of hospitals, and she works diligently to meet these standards as well as other payment-for-quality initiatives. Additionally, she manages infection control at St. Dominic's Hospital, ensuring compliance with OSHA, CMS, TJC, and more. On a personal note, she is a proud mother of two boys and two girls and enjoys spending her free time on cruises.
Michael R. Bertaut, MBA, CHC, PAHM | Healthcare Economist/Exchange Coordinator of Marketing at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana
Michael Bertaut is a Certified Health Consultant with nearly 40 years of experience in healthcare, telecom, and retail. He played an active role in the Affordable Care Act negotiations and has led over 1,800 discussions on healthcare costs and reform. Michael is a Fellow at LSU's Academy of Applied Politics, a lecturer at several universities, and the author of the award-winning "Straight Talk" healthcare blog and video series.
As Senior Healthcare Economist at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana, he forecasts membership activity for 1.9 million members. Michael earned his MBA and BA from LSU and is a 40-year cancer survivor. He has been with Blue Cross since 2004. Michael is married with three children.
Larry Daigle, BS | President of Practical Improvement LLC
Larry Daigle, BS, ASQ Certified Six Sigma Black Belt, TeamSTEPPS Master Trainer, has over 20 years of leadership experience in healthcare and manufacturing, specializing in strategic planning, value-based care, and performance improvement. As President of Practical Improvement LLC, he provides consulting services focused on operational excellence, quality management systems, and executive coaching. Larry has a proven track record of driving growth and enhancing operational efficiency and patient outcomes.
Previously, Larry served as Vice President of Performance Management at North Oaks Health System, where he led initiatives that improved healthcare quality and safety. He also held roles as Director of Quality Management at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center and Regional Quality Manager at Hexion Inc., implementing quality management systems and Six Sigma methodologies to improve patient care and operational efficiency. Larry holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management from Louisiana State University, with minors in Business Administration and Microbiology, and is an active member of several professional organizations.
Chris DeLaune, BSN | Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) of Priority Management Group
Chris DeLaune, BSN, has over 40 years of nursing experience and serves as the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) at Priority Management Group, overseeing more than 40 nursing home entities across Texas and Louisiana. She began her career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital while attending college, later earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Southeastern Louisiana University. Chris has held various roles, including Director of Nursing and Quality Improvement Nurse, and has extensive experience in regulatory compliance, working with CMS, CDC, LDH, HHSC, and other agencies to ensure quality care.
In addition to her role at Priority Management Group, Chris is a partner and owner of Progressive Rehab Solutions and Partners Pharmacy. She is committed to providing quality healthcare and ensuring regulatory excellence. A Baton Rouge native, Chris now resides in Gonzales, Louisiana, and balances her time between there and Dallas, Texas. She enjoys traveling, socializing with friends, watching LSU football games, and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
Elizabeth “Tren” Garbo, RN, MN | VP, Chief Nursing Officer at Our Lady of the Angels Hospital
Elizabeth “Tren” Garbo, RN, MN, has been appointed as an inaugural Board Member of the Franciscan Center for Professional Development (FCPD) at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University. Tren brings over 27 years of experience in the hospital sector, including 16 years in nurse leadership, where she has championed quality and safety cultures. Currently serving as the Vice President/Chief Nursing Officer at Our Lady of the Angels Hospital in Bogalusa, LA, Tren is also pursuing her Doctorate of Nursing Practice in Executive Nursing Administration from the University of South Alabama, with expected completion in December 2024. Her leadership will be integral in advancing the goals of the FCPD and expanding its impact in professional and continuing education.
Tren is an active member of the Louisiana State Nurses Association (LSNA), where she serves on various committees, including Awards, Membership, and Policy, and has been selected for the Nursing Workforce Effectiveness Initiative Committee. She also holds the role of Director of Recognition in her local nursing association and is a member of the Louisiana Nurse Honor Guard. Tren’s dedication to mentorship and her commitment to advancing healthcare education were recently recognized when Our Lady of the Angels Hospital received the Nightingale Award for hospitals with 61-120 beds from the Louisiana Nurses Foundation. Her passion for nurturing both personal and professional growth within the nursing community aligns closely with the mission and values of the Franciscan Center for Professional Development.
Dixie P. Gautreaux, PhD | Dean, School of Arts & Sciences at FranU
Dixie Gautreaux, PhD is the Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University. She is a Professor of Chemistry & previously held the roles of Chair of Sciences – Chemistry, Math, & Physics as well as Assistant Dean. She was instrumental in the creation of the BS, Biology: Biochemical Analysis concentration & the new Forensic Science Certificate. She earned her BS in Chemistry from Nicholls State University and her PhD in Solid State Chemistry from LSU. She also holds a graduate certificate in Forensic Drug Chemistry from the University of Florida. She has published numerous peer-reviewed journal articles and has presented her work in solid state chemistry & physics worldwide. Her research interests have shifted to the scholarship of teaching & learning, professional development, and mentoring undergraduates both with research projects & academically.
Kristen Gradney, MHA, RDN, LDN | Chief Wellness Officer for LCMC Health
Kristen Gradney holds a B.A. in Sociology and a B.S. in Nutritional Science from Louisiana State University, a dietetic internship from the Medical University of South Carolina, and a Master of Health Administration from Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University.
With years of experience as a registered dietitian, Kristen has taken on senior leadership roles in both acute care and ambulatory settings within the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System. She has successfully led teams, improved patient and team engagement, and enhanced clinical outcomes. Kristen currently serves as Chief Wellness Officer for LCMC Health in New Orleans, LA, and has been a care transformation consultant and developer of worksite wellness programs. She is an advocate for healthcare transformation and equity, serving on several boards and committees, and has been recognized in numerous publications for her expertise in nutrition, healthcare leadership, and wellness.
Amy M. Hall, PhD, RN, CNE | Professor & Dean School of Nursing at FranU
Dr. Amy Hall is a Professor of Nursing and the Dean of the School of Nursing at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She leads faculty, students, and staff across the BSN, RN to BSN, MSN-FNP, and DNP Nurse Anesthesia programs. Dr. Hall holds a BSN and PhD in nursing from Saint Louis University and an MS in nursing from the University of Illinois-Chicago. Her expertise includes curriculum design, program evaluation, and nursing leadership. She has taught abroad in countries such as England, China, and the Dominican Republic, and consults with nursing programs on curricular change and program evaluation.
Dr. Hall has served as an ACEN site visitor and currently sits on the Board of Commissioners for ACEN. She is a member of several professional associations, including Sigma, the National League for Nursing, and the Louisiana Council of Administrators of Nursing Education. Outside of her professional work, Dr. Hall co-authors a nursing fundamentals textbook and enjoys cooking, baking, and running marathons.
Ed Halphen, MBA, BS | CHRO/Senior Vice President at Woman's Hospital
Ed Halphen, MBA, is the Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Woman's Hospital in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. With more than 30 years of experience in human resources, he has held senior HR roles across various industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, and energy. At Woman's Hospital, Ed is responsible for leading strategic HR initiatives, transforming the HR function to align with organizational goals, and enhancing the hospital's workforce to meet the evolving demands of patient care. He has played a key role in workforce planning, talent management, and implementing process improvements, including driving efficiencies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Previously, Ed held leadership roles in organizations such as AmerisourceBergen, Flowserve Corporation, and Teayburn Human Resources Group, where he focused on organizational development, executive coaching, and employee relations. Throughout his career, he has developed expertise in areas like performance management, leadership development, and compensation. Ed earned his MBA in Human Resources from Vanderbilt University and his Bachelor of Science in Management from Louisiana State University. He is known for his strategic approach to HR and his ability to align talent management practices with business objectives to drive growth and operational success.
Jared LeDoux, Ph.D., SPHR, BCC | Vice President, Human Resources at Premier Health
Jared LeDoux is the Vice President of Human Resources of Premier Health. He is responsible for the oversight of all Human Resources and Payroll activities at Premier Health, including strategic direction of the organization’s total rewards program, recruitment and onboarding, talent management, and meeting all compliance standards. Jared most recently served 4 years with Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System where he was the Director of Human Resources for Our Lady of the Lake with over 4,000 employees. Jared is a Certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), Board Certified Coach (BCC), and a Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt. He is a member of the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) and of the Urgent Care Association of America. He graduated from McNeese State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. He received his Master’s and Doctorate degrees from LSU in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. Jared is a native of Kinder, Louisiana.
Justin Luna, BSN, MBA (in progress) | Senior Director of Nursing at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health Ministry
Justin Luna brings over 17 years of healthcare experience to his role as Senior Director of Nursing at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health Ministry. He began his nursing career after earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and is currently pursuing an MBA in Healthcare Administration. Before moving into leadership, Justin worked in Cardiovascular Intensive Care and developed a passion for precepting new nurses and students, demonstrating his commitment to patient care and clinical excellence.
As Senior Director of Nursing, Justin oversees operations across multiple departments, implementing evidence-based practices to enhance patient care and foster staff development. His leadership expertise in nursing management, quality improvement, and operational efficiency has shaped his hands-on, empowering leadership style. Known for engaging directly with patients and staff, Justin strives to ensure the highest standards of care are consistently met.
Sara MacDowell, PT, DPT | Physical Therapist at Our Lady of the Lake Hearing and Balance Center | Owner and Lead Instructor of Advanced Neurotherapy Education
Dr. Sara MacDowell is a physical therapist specializing in vestibular and facial nerve disorders at the Our Lady of the Lake Hearing and Balance Center. She co-founded the interdisciplinary “Center for Facial Nerve Disorders” alongside Dr. Laura Hetzler. Dr. MacDowell also serves as a board member and course instructor for the Franciscan University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program and an adjunct professor at LSU Health Sciences Center. Her research, focused on vestibular and facial nerve rehabilitation, has led to numerous journal publications, and she contributes to medical education through the LSUHSC otolaryngology residency program.
A graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, Dr. MacDowell holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and certification in Vestibular Rehabilitation. She has been an active volunteer for the APTA Vestibular Special Interest Group, contributing to content development and conferences. Additionally, she is a member of the Facial Therapy Specialists International organization, where she co-authored a consensus paper on facial therapy. As the owner of Advanced Neurotherapy Education, she teaches continuing education courses for healthcare professionals.
Anastasia C. Montgomery, BS, RN, CNO | Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) at West Ascension Hospital
Anastasia C Montgomery is from a small town, Smithridge, which is situated in Chauvin, Louisiana. Her mother instilled education and independence at an early age in Anastasia and her siblings. She credits her father for instilling the work ethic. Anastasia is a Veteran of the United States Army and Louisiana National Guard. She received her undergrad degree from Nicholls State University in General Studies. She worked in Terrebonne parish for several years as an elementary school teacher. A few years later, Anastasia decided to return to school and received a degree in Nursing from Our Lady of the Lake College (FranU) and started her nursing career at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge. Anastasia credits Our Lady of the Lake Hospital for her experience, which has prepared her for other leadership roles, such as Baton Rouge General Hospital as a unit manager, as well as her most recent opportunity at West Ascension Hospital (Prevost) as the Chief Nursing Officer. Anastasia has a strong belief in advocacy for nurses, as well as community service. She serves as a Healthcare Ministry leader at Rose Hill Church in Baker. Anastasia is married to Roderick and has a combination of 6 adult children. Her greatest joy is her 3 handsome grandsons.
Madison Mulkey, JD, ACHE | Chief Operations Officer at DPI Anesthesia
Madison oversees functional operations of all anesthesia care models. Madison graduated from Santa Clara University School of Law in 1996. With over 25 years of experience in both large and small companies, he has served in many leadership roles. Among those are providing the vision and decisive leadership for startup, turnaround, and emerging companies. He is skilled at building corporate infrastructures and establishing operating controls that facilitate smooth operations during periods of significant growth and change. Madison has a track record for developing high-performance executive teams, making effective decisions under unfavorable conditions, and quickly revising tactics to achieve goals within aggressive time frames. At DPI, he leads our process integration team which streamlines the start-up procedures to seamlessly integrate new clients. Madison is also responsible for integrating processes from corporate operations into the workflow of our facilities to speed processes and increase practice efficiencies for all our clients. Madison also leads our contract administration and negotiation areas.
Sean M. Prados, DSc, FACHE | CEO of Relief Telemed and 3T Health | Principal of Prados & Associates
Dr. Sean Prados is the co-founder & CEO of Relief Telemed and 3T Health. He is also the founder and principal of Prados & Associates, a state and federal governmental affairs and business consulting firm based in Baton Rouge, LA. Dr. Prados has over 30 years of experience as a healthcare executive and lobbyist. Previously, he served as Vice President and then Executive Vice President & COO at the Louisiana Hospital Association from 1999-2016 where he was responsible for internal operations, strategic health policy planning, coordinating political action activities and represented the hospital industry before state and federal governmental officials, lawmakers and regulatory bodies. Dr. Prados also spent several years as an independent business consultant and lobbyist where he developed expertise in healthcare, insurance, managed care, workers' compensation, transportation, and agriculture. He served honorably in the United States Marine Corps Reserves where he was a non-commissioned officer. Dr. Prados holds a Doctor of Science in Healthcare Leadership degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, a Master of Public Administration degree with a concentration in healthcare administration from Louisiana State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Government from Nicholls State University. He is also board certified in healthcare management and is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives. Dr. Prados is a Credentialed Course Instructor for Healthcare Policy at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. His areas of research include healthcare disparities, Social Determinants of Health and digital solutions to fill gaps in the healthcare system.
Lindsey “LeeAnn” Prisk, DNP, RN, NEA-BC | Director of Professional Practice and Research at St. Dominic Hospital
LeeAnn is an accomplished nursing leader with a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Executive Nursing Administration from the University of South Alabama. Over the past decade, LeeAnn has combined clinical expertise, strategic vision, and leadership excellence to drive transformative improvements in nursing practice, patient care, and healthcare systems. Currently serving as the Director of Professional Practice at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi, LeeAnn collaborates closely with the Chief Nursing Officer and senior leadership to oversee critical areas, including professional clinical practice, evidence-based initiatives, shared governance, and patient experience programs. LeeAnn’s leadership extends to managing Clinical Excellence, Guest Services, and Volunteer Services, contributing to quality outcomes and innovative care delivery.
With her certification, Nurse Executive (Advanced) and years of hands-on experience in emergency, inpatient, and critical care nursing, LeeAnn brings steadfast dedication to advancing nursing practice. As dynamic leader and mentor, she has led initiatives such as the implementation of shared governance structures, electronic health record transitions, and quality improvement projects that enhance interprofessional collaboration and patient safety. As a previous recipient of the Northshore Louisiana Top Twenty and Louisiana Action Coalition Nurse Fellow, LeeAnn continues to be an active member of professional organizations, including the American Organization for Nursing Leadership, Sigma Theta Tau, and the Mississippi Nurses Association. Passionate about empowering nurses and improving healthcare, LeeAnn continues to drive excellence in the field of nursing.
Tina Schaffer, MA, SHRM-SCP | VP of Talent Strategy and Chief DEI Officer at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System
LaTina (Tina) Schaffer is the VP of Talent Strategy and Chief DEI Officer at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, bringing over 25 years of HR leadership experience. Known for her dynamic approach to change management, she links HR initiatives to business outcomes across all functions. Tina holds a Master’s in Adult Learning and a senior SHRM certification and is actively involved in National SHRM, Greater Baton Rouge SHRM, ASHHRA, NAHSE, and Leadership Baton Rouge.
Tina has earned several honors, including 2021 HR Executive of the Year and recognition as a DEI Champion in 2022. She serves on the board of Capital Area United Way and participates in community panels on diversity and equity. A Louisiana native, Tina is also a dedicated wife, mother, and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., with a strong commitment to community service and advocacy for underserved populations.
Stacye D. Schwab RN, BSN | Sr. Director, Patient Care Service at St. Francis Medical Center
Stacye Schwab is the Senior Director of Patient Care Services at St. Francis Medical Center, where she has overseen budget planning, capital planning, and special projects for the nursing division since May 2018. She previously served as Director of Medical Surgical Telemetry Units, overseeing five inpatient units and 12 outpatient departments, where she focused on financial performance, patient and employee satisfaction, and special projects.
Stacye began her career at St. Francis in 2005 as Director of Women’s and Children’s Services and later managed Pediatrics, PICU, and NICU. She started her nursing career as an Endoscopy RN in 1995. Stacye holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Northeast Louisiana University, where she graduated in 1994.
Wendy Singleton, MSN, APRN, ANP-BC, NEA-BC | VP of Nursing/Associate Chief Nursing Officer at Woman’s Hospital
Wendy Singleton is the VP of Nursing/Associate Chief Nursing Officer at Woman’s Hospital. Wendy has a master’s in nursing and is board certified as an advanced nurse executive and an adult nurse practitioner. In addition to oversight of patient care, she is responsible for patient experience, Woman’s Magnet accreditation, nursing research, and leadership development for the patient care division. She also serves as the clinical operational lead for Woman’s EPIC implementation. Wendy is a member of numerous professional nursing organizations and is a 2017 graduate of the Greater Baton Rouge Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership program.
Wendy has presented at state and national conferences on nursing research, maternal newborn care, patient experience, and leadership development. She created and has supported the nursing research program at Woman’s Hospital since 2006 and has conducted research in the areas of maternal newborn care and the nursing work environment. In 2015, she was awarded the Clinical Nurse Researcher of the Year award by the Louisiana Nurses Foundation.
Robert M. Tasman, MA, JD | Regional Vice President, Mission Integration and Formation at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System
Rob is the Regional Vice President of Mission Integration and Formation for the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, overseeing ethics and advocacy while ensuring the organization’s Catholic identity. He also contributes to strategy and operations.
A licensed attorney with a BA in Communications and Theology, an MA in Theology from Boston College, and a JD from LSU, Rob has taught Theology and served on several boards. Previously, he was Executive Director of the Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops, advocating for juvenile justice reform. He has received multiple awards for his community work.
Nicole Telhiard, DNP, CPN, NE-BC | Chief Nursing Officer/Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital
Nicole Telhiard has been with Our Lady of the Lake since 1993, starting as a Nurse Tech and progressing through various nursing leadership roles. She has served as Chief Nursing Officer since 2015 and is a Certified Pediatric Nurse and Board-Certified Nurse Executive. Nicole played a key role in guiding the organization through three Magnet Accreditation cycles and is passionate about Nursing Professional Development and certifications. She previously served on the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board, including two years as Chairwoman.
Nicole earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice in 2014 from RUSH University, in addition to her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Nursing. She is a member of multiple professional organizations, including the American Organization for Nursing Leadership and the Louisiana State Nurses Association, which named her Nurse Administrator of the Year in 2020. Nicole also co-chaired the AIAMC National Initiative VII project on Interprofessional Teaming and currently serves on the ACGME Multistakeholder Advisory Group and several boards, including the Ollie Steele Burden Manor Board of Directors.
Jeffrey Thompson, ScD, DPT | Dean, School of Health Professions
Dr. Jeffrey Thompson is the Dean of the School of Health Professions at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University. He holds a B.S. in Biology, a Master of Physical Therapy, and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Temple University. Dr. Thompson is Board Certified in Orthopedic Physical Therapy and certified in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy. He also earned an advanced Doctor of Science degree from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.
With over two decades of experience in clinical management and education, Dr. Thompson has led physical therapy services in acute and outpatient settings, developed a continuing education business, and held faculty and leadership roles in Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. As Dean, he oversees strategic priorities, ensures academic quality, manages budgets, and leads program development and enrollment efforts, working closely with the Vice President for Academic Affairs to shape the future of health professions education at the university.
Lesley Tilley, DNP, RN, NE-BC | Vice President of Regional Operations at Franciscan Missionaries of our Lady Health System
As the Vice President of Regional Operations, Lesley oversees the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of Our Lady of the Lake Health’s mental behavioral health service line, Our Lady of the Lake North, Our Lady of the Lake Ascension, Our Lady of the Lake Assumption, and Our Lady of the Lake Livingston campuses. Prior to this, Tilley was the Vice-President of Operations at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center leading end-to-end operations of allied health services, emergency services, trauma, linen services, and environmental care services. With 30 years of healthcare experience, Lesley has demonstrated leadership in areas of population health, hospital operations, nursing leadership, case management, home health, palliative care, and hospice.
She began her nursing career in 1994 with an associate degree from LSU at Eunice, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Loyola University New Orleans in 1999 and earned a Master of Science in Nursing from Loyola University New Orleans in 2007, and a Doctor of Science in Nursing in 2024. In 2015, she obtained board certification as a nurse executive from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She is member of the Louisiana State Nurses Association and serves as the President-Elect. Lesley is also a board member of the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank.
LaDonna Williams, MPA |Senior Vice President at Franciscan Missionaries of our Lady Health System
LaDonna Williams is Senior Vice President at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System (FMOLHS), where she leads medical group operations, growth, and strategic development across Louisiana and Mississippi. With over a decade of experience in healthcare leadership, she has expertise in practice acquisitions, provider recruitment, quality performance, and healthcare finance.
LaDonna holds a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor’s in Business Management from Southern University. She is a graduate of the 2019 Baton Rouge Leadership Class and the 2024 Executive Leadership Academy. A mentor for the American Hospital Association’s Next Generation Fellowship Program, LaDonna is also active on several boards, including Volunteers of America and Baton Rouge Green.
Steven Winkler | Executive Director at Orthopedic Surgery Center
Steven is healthcare professional with a history of building relationships with providers and staff to secure best practices and ideas, along with making improvements and enhancements that further organizational goals. Skilled in the ever-changing environment of the healthcare market, exhibiting effective negotiation skills, demonstrating loyalty, and achieving best outcomes for the entity. Ability to remain adaptable and flexible, balance multiple priorities, demonstrate analytical decision-making, resolve complex problems, and maximize internal resources for optimal results. As Executive Director, he is responsible for all operational aspects of the Surgical Center, under the umbrella of the Bone and Joint Clinic, which is comprised of 17 Physicians and Podiatrists and 11 Advanced Practice Providers.
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