Larry D. Walker named Hospital Administrator at Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center

On September 12, 2006, LSU Health Care Services Division named Larry D. Walker Hospital Adminstrator of Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center.

Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco was present to welcome the new Adminstrator during a recent visit to South Louisiana. Blanco visited Chabert in order to thank the staff for their efforts during Hurricane Katrina as well tour the Hospital.

Walker replaces LeVern Meades who has served as Interim Hospital Administrator since February. Meades will remain Hospital Administrator of the Lallie Kemp Medical Center and will also lead special projects at the LSU HSCD headquarters office in Baton Rouge.

Walker is the former CEO of the East Texas Medical Center in Gilmer, TX, where he is credited with restoring the hospital to profitability. His past experience includes leadership positions with the Louisiana Heart Hospital in Lacombe, LA and the Province Healthcare Corporation of Louisiana.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology from the University of Arkansas School of Allied Health; a Masters of Public Administration from Memphis State University and a Masters of Science from Trinity University in San Antonio.

Active in his community, Walker has served as a board member of the American Heart Association, United Way and the Eunice Chamber of Commerce.

"Mr. Walker brings over 25 years of health care management experience to the table," says Don Smithburg, CEO LSU Health Care Services Division. "He will be responsible for strategic planning, business development and operations. His track record speaks for itself."