Important Leadership Change Announcement

Effective Friday, December 20, Kerry Tirman has resigned from his position as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Slidell Memorial Hospital (SMH) due to personal reasons. Under the terms of the partnership between SMH and Ochsner Health System (Ochsner), Tirman served as CEO of the Slidell Joint Operating Agreement (JOA) coordinated operations, including SMH, Ochsner Medical Center – Northshore, related clinics and outpatient facilities.

The SMH Board of Commissioners in collaboration with Ochsner Health System have named Sandy Badinger interim CEO, effective immediately. Badinger has served as Chief Financial Officer of the Slidell JOA coordinated operations for four years and joined the SMH leadership team in 2012.

With more than 23 years of experience in healthcare accounting and finance, Badinger has been instrumental in generating financial improvements through the joint operating agreement between SMH and Ochsner. Badinger also played a vital role in the successful implementation of Epic electronic medical record system in July 2019. She is a proven and trusted leader, committed to caring for the communities we serve.

A strong leadership team remains in place during this transition. In the new year, the SMH Board of Commissioners and Ochsner will come forward with a long-term plan.