St. Bernard Parish Hospital (SBPH) has named Kim Ellender as its new chief executive officer (CEO).
Since joining Ochsner in 2011, Ellender has held progressively senior roles, most recently serving as assistant vice president of hospital operations at SBPH. She was instrumental in overseeing growth across all clinical departments and expanding hospital services. Ellender also served as the Lean Council Chair for SBPH, using the accredited Lean Six Sigma framework.
Ellender succeeds Lani Fast, who served as CEO of SBPH since 2022. Fast recently transitioned to chief operating officer at Ochsner Children’s, where she now leads strategic business operations and outreach for ambulatory and outpatient services.
“Kim’s extensive experience and unwavering dedication to our patients and community make her the perfect fit for this role,” said Rob Wolterman, CEO, Southshore & Bayou regions and clinical joint ventures, Ochsner Health. “Her leadership has already resulted in important advancements for St. Bernard Parish Hospital, and I am confident that the hospital has a bright future under her guidance. We look forward to working with her to continue building on our incredible success.”
St. Bernard Parish Hospital is owned by the Hospital Service District of the Parish of St. Bernard, State of Louisiana, a political subdivision of the State, and managed by Ochsner Health.