Opelousas General Health System selects new CEO

Kenneth J. Cochran is the new president and CEO of Opelousas General Health System effective July 1, an announcement by Gina Bradley Tuttle, chairman of the Opelousas General Health System Authority Board of Trustees, stated.
“Hospitals nationwide are dealing with significant change in the way we administer and deliver health care,” Tuttle said. “Strong leadership is essential to our continued success, and we have found that strong leader in Mr. Cochran. Ken has a vision of excellence that we value for our community hospital together with a depth of practical experience that will serve us well.”
With the added help of Lafayette General Health, Opelousas General Health System conducted a national search for the right candidate for the hospital and the Opelousas community, the news release stated.
“Mr. Cochran’s genuine care for physicians, patients and health care workers serves to enhance our united commitment to deliver an outstanding level of health care. We are confident that Mr. Cochran is the right person to lead us into the future,” she added.
Cochran has more than 15 years of hospital experience that he brings to the organization, along with the clinical expertise of being a registered nurse, the news release stated. Cochran most recently held the position of president and CEO at River Valley Health Partners in East Liverpool, Ohio. Prior to that position, he served as CEO of Cibola General Hospital in Grants, New Mexico.
Bob Hardy, who has been serving as interim CEO at OGHS since Mark Marley’s resignation, will continue to serve in that role until the end of June, when he resumes his position as chief operating officer.
Originally from the state of Alabama, Cochran is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) and Board Certified in Healthcare Management. He received his bachelor’s of science degree in nursing from Troy State University in Troy, Alabama, and received his master’s in business administration from California State University in Bakersfield, California. Cochran is pursuing a doctoral degree of science in Healthcare Administration. He also served as an orthopedic specialist and combat flight medic in the U.S. Army Reserves for eight years.