SMH Board of Commissioners selects new officers
(April 29, 2025 – Slidell, La.) – The Slidell Memorial Hospital Board of Commissioners has formally welcomed new officers and appointments to its membership for 2025.
Kristen R. Stanley-Wallace, JD, representing Ward 8, is the board’s newly elected chair. Stanley-Wallace, a Slidell resident since 1992, is a Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law School graduate. She has practiced law since 2005, founding Stanley-Wallace Law in 2014. An active community member, Kristen has earned numerous honors and held leadership roles in several local organizations, including serving as president of the 22nd Judicial District Court Bar Association in 2024.
Tommy C. Morris Jr., RPh, Ph.D., representing Ward 8, holds the position of vice-chair, and Walter J. “Dub” Lane Jr., Ph.D., representing Ward 8, remains as the board’s secretary/treasurer.
Francis J. Petitto, 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.
The board members who will continue to serve are Joseph “Joe” DiGiovanni Jr., CPA-Retired (Ward 9); Larry P. Englande Sr. (Ward 8); Georgia M. Johnson, RN (Ward 8); Robert C. Mercadel, MD, as SMH Medical Staff Representative; and J. William “Bill” Newton, MBA (Ward 9).
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.