Opelousas General Health System Authority’s board of trustees has named Kenneth J. Cochran president and CEO of Opelousas General Health System. The Alabama native’s appointment is effective July 1.
“Hospitals nationwide are dealing with significant change in the way we administer and deliver health care. Strong leadership is essential to our continued success, and we have found that strong leader in Mr. Cochran,” said Gina Bradley Tuttle, chairwoman of the hospital board. “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 help of Lafayette General Health, which has a management and consultation agreement with the Opelousas hospital, OGHS officials say they conducted a national search for the right candidate not only for the facility but also the local community.
Cochran has more than 15 years of hospital experience, along with the clinical expertise of being a registered nurse. He most recently held the position of president and CEO at River Valley Health Partners in East Liverpool, Ohio. Before that, he served as CEO of Cibola General Hospital in Grants, N.M.
Bob Hardy, who has been serving as interim CEO at OGHS since Mark Marley’s resignation in November, will continue to serve in that role until the end of June, when he resumes his position as chief operating officer.
Cochran is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives and Board Certified in health care management. He received his bachelor of science degree in nursing from Troy State University in Troy, Ala., and received his MBA from California State University in Bakersfield. Cochran is pursuing a doctoral degree of science in health care administration. He also served as an orthopedic specialist and combat flight medic in the U.S. Army Reserves for eight years.