Beth Walker
Ochsner Medical Center – New Orleans
CEO
Assumed New Position: September 2024
Ohio native Beth Walker has served in multiple positions with Ochsner Medical over the past 23 years, including as VP of operations for Women’s and Children’s Services, chief operating officer, and most recently as the CEO of Ochsner Baptist for five years. During that time, she said, she experienced the proudest accomplishment of her career.
“I had been serving as CEO for only nine months when our first COVID-19 patients arrived,” she said. “While it is not something any of us would care to repeat, I believe the challenges we faced led to tremendous growth for me as a leader. I found the uncertainty and stress of these times helped me gain courage, clarity, adaptability and a sharper focus on the importance of human connection. I came away from COVID-19 with a deeper understanding of myself and the responsibility I had to the community I served.”
Under Walker’s direction, Ochsner Baptist received many national awards, including U.S. News & World Report’s No. 1 hospital in Louisiana.
Last fall, Walker was named CEO of the flagship of the Ochsner Health System, Ochsner Medical Center New Orleans, which includes eight centers of excellence. She said she recognizes the gravity of the job.
“This field is ever-changing, and lives are truly at stake every day. I know that each decision I make has an impact on a person, whether it’s a patient, a family member, or one of our clinicians or staff members. There is significant weight that comes with this knowledge, but regardless, tough decisions must be made daily.”
Looking to the future, Walker said she is excited about the healthcare giant’s continued expansion efforts to bring more innovative and highly specialized care to Jefferson Parish.
“Through our Debra H. and Robert J. Patrick Neuroscience Center (coming in 2026) and The Gayle and Tom Benson Ochsner Children’s Hospital (coming in 2027), we will significantly expand our service offerings in the coming years,” she said. “Not only will these additions bring new opportunities for care to our loved ones, but they will continue to have an impact on the development of this community.”
“Louisiana struggles when it comes to overall health outcomes, but as the largest healthcare provider in the state, it is Ochsner Health’s job to change that… Having lived here for many years now, I’ve seen the potential of this community, and I know we can improve the health and well-being of our people. I truly believe our best days are ahead of us.”
