SMH Board of Commissioners welcomes new appointment
Nurse Practitioner Jean E. Cefalu begins new term
(Oct. 13, 2026 – Slidell, La.) – The Slidell Memorial Hospital Board of Commissioners announces the appointment of Jean E. Cefalu, Ph.D., representing Ward 8 of St. Tammany Parish. Cefalu’s term runs from 2026 through 2030.
Cefalu brings more than 30 years of experience in clinical practice, nursing education, healthcare quality improvement and organizational leadership. Her background in geriatrics, patient safety, regulatory compliance and financial stewardship will provide valuable expertise as the board guides the hospital’s strategic priorities and commitment to high-quality, community-focused healthcare. Cefalu currently serves as a nurse practitioner specializing in geriatrics and extended care with the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System and as an adjunct assistant professor of clinical nursing at the LSU Health Sciences Center School of Nursing in New Orleans.
In addition to her clinical and academic responsibilities, Cefalu chairs a quality expert panel for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. In this role, she contributes to the evaluation of long-term care quality measures, performance data and regulatory standards.
“I care deeply about the health and well-being of the Slidell community, and I recognize the critical role Slidell Memorial Hospital plays as both a healthcare provider and a community anchor,” Cefalu said. “It is an honor to contribute my clinical insight, operational perspective and financial stewardship to support the hospital’s strategic goals and long-term growth.”
Cefalu holds a doctorate in nursing education and administration from William Carey University, a post-master’s certificate in adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner studies from the University of Massachusetts Boston, a Master of Science in Nursing Education from LSU Health Sciences Center, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Southeastern Louisiana University.
Cefalu joins current board members: Chair Kristen R. Stanley-Wallace, JD (Ward 8); Vice-Chair Tommy C. Morris Jr., RPh, Ph.D. (Ward 8); Secretary/Treasurer Walter J. “Dub” Lane, Ph.D. (Ward 8); Joseph “Joe” DiGiovanni Jr., CPA retired (Ward 9); Larry P. Englande Sr. (Ward 8); James W. “Bill” Newton, MBA (Ward 9); SMH Medical Staff Representative Robert C. Mercadel, MD; and Medical Staff President/Chief of Staff Matthew K. Miller, MD.
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. Bob Owen 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.
