David Callecod, MBA, FACHE, has been named Chief Executive Officer of Ochsner LSU Health System of North Louisiana. He has been serving in the role of interim CEO since November 2024.
Callecod brings more than 25 years of experience as a healthcare CEO, which includes leading Lafayette General Health System, now Ochsner Lafayette General, from 2008 to 2020. The seven-hospital system includes the only two teaching hospitals in the Acadiana region and an additional six clinical affiliate hospitals.
Under his leadership, Lafayette General Health System hospitals received multiple “Best Places to Work” awards including Becker’s Hospital Review and Modern Healthcare among many other national awards during his tenure.
Callecod is knowledgeable of the region and Ochsner LSU Health, having served as interim CEO in 2021 to 2022. In 2022, he stepped away from healthcare administration to pursue a longtime goal and formed Callecod Advisory Group, a consulting company providing guidance for healthcare-related startup companies. In doing so, he realized that his purpose and fulfillment lies in healthcare delivery, specifically focusing on the patient and employee experience to improve health outcomes.
“I am honored to return to Ochsner LSU Health and be part of this dedicated team that cares so deeply for our patients and our region,” said David Callecod, CEO, Ochsner LSU Health. “As we look to the future, I am committed to advancing our mission, expanding access to high-quality healthcare and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.”
Callecod has lived in Shreveport for nearly four years and in that time has become involved in many organizations and developed strong relationships with community partners. He is a past Chairman of the Louisiana Hospital Association and a member of the Shreveport-Bossier Committee of One Hundred, Rotary Club of Shreveport and First Methodist Church of Shreveport.
“David is deeply familiar with the team and operations at Ochsner LSU Health, and one of the many qualities that make David such a great leader is the way he values the voice of each team member and builds cultures that enhance employee engagement, patient experience, and patient outcomes,” said Pete November, CEO, Ochsner Health. “Together with LSU Health Shreveport, we are excited for David to continue to build on the success of Ochsner LSU Health for the health and benefit of communities across north Louisiana.”
“David’s vision, experience and dedication to patient-centered care will be instrumental in shaping the future of healthcare in our community,” said Dr. Keith White, CEO of the Ochsner LSU Physicians Group. “This is an exciting time for our health system, our team and, most importantly, the patients and families we serve.”
Ochsner LSU Health, a partnership between Ochsner Health and LSU Health Shreveport, was formed in 2018. In six years, the organization has expanded access to care through more providers and locations, invested over $275 million in facilities and infrastructure and improved quality and patient outcomes. Under Callecod’s leadership, Ochsner LSU Health remains focused on continued innovation, providing access to high-quality care and improving health outcomes for all of north Louisiana.
To learn more about Ochsner LSU Health, visit ochsnerlsuhs.org/progress.