SMH Board of Commissioners selects new officers

(February 6, 2023 – Slidell, La.) – The Slidell Memorial Hospital Board of Commissioners has formally welcomed new officers and appointments to its membership.

The new officers for 2023 are: Larry P. Englande Sr., representing Ward 8, Chairman of the Board; Joseph “Joe” DiGiovanni Jr., CPA-Retired, representing Ward 9, Vice-Chairman; Walter J. “Dub” Lane Jr., Ph.D., representing Ward 8, Secretary/Treasurer.

Cyril V.K. Bethala, MD, will serve a one-year term as SMH Medical Staff President/Chief of Staff; the SMH Medical Executive Committee recommends this appointment to the Appointing Authority. J. William “Bill” Newton, a newly appointed Commissioner whose term begins July 1, represents Ward 9.

The Board members who will continue to serve are Georgia M. Johnson, RN (Ward 8); Robert C. Mercadel, MD, as SMH Medical Staff Representative; Tommy C. Morris Jr., RPh, Ph.D. (Ward 8); Shawn M. Paretti, CPCU (Ward 8); and Kristen R. Stanley-Wallace, JD (Ward 8).

St. Tammany Parish Hospital Service District No. 2 (dba Slidell Memorial Hospital) is governed by a nine-member Board of Commissioners. Seven members are appointed by the Appointing Authority (comprised of a local legislative delegation) from Nominating Committee recommendations. Louisiana Sen. Sharon Hewitt currently serves as the chairperson of the Appointing Authority. The remaining two members are the President of the Medical Staff and one Medical Staff appointee. Each board member brings a unique background of expertise and experience that is invaluable in guiding Slidell Memorial Hospital. The Board of Commissioners is responsible for the quality of the medical care provided at the hospital.