St. James Parish Hospital today announced a planned leadership transition as Chief Executive Officer Mary Ellen Pratt prepares to retire at the end of July 2026 following nearly two decades of leadership at the hospital. The St. James Parish Hospital Board of Commissioners has unanimously appointed Jeremy Martin as the organization’s next CEO, ensuring a seamless transition and continued commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare to the residents of St. James Parish. Martin will work closely with Pratt in the weeks leading up to the transition to ensure continuity of leadership and ongoing excellence in patient care, operations, and community service.
A lifelong resident of St. James Parish, Jeremy Martin, MHA, CHSP, has dedicated more than 22 years to serving the patients, staff, and communities of St. James Parish Hospital. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Louisiana State University and a Master of Health Administration from LSU Shreveport. Since joining the organization in 2004, Martin has held several leadership positions, including Director of Information Systems, Director of Support Services, Chief Support Services Officer, and Chief Operating Officer. Throughout his tenure, he has played a key role in guiding the hospital through significant growth and transformation, overseeing major facility improvements, expanding healthcare services, strengthening physician partnerships, and leading emergency preparedness and recovery efforts. His commitment to advancing access to high-quality healthcare close to home has helped position the hospital for continued success. With extensive healthcare leadership experience, deep organizational knowledge, and a personal understanding of the community he serves, Martin is well-prepared to lead St. James Parish Hospital as it continues to evolve to meet the community’s changing healthcare needs.
“We are excited to welcome Jeremy Martin as our next CEO,” said Wilbur Reynaud, Chairman of the St. James Parish Hospital Board of Commissioners. “Jeremy’s leadership experience, commitment to excellence, and passion for serving rural communities make him exceptionally qualified to lead St. James Parish Hospital into the future. We are confident he will build upon our strong foundation while guiding the organization through its next chapter of growth and innovation.”
Martin expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve the community and lead the organization. “It is an honor to be selected as the next CEO of St. James Parish Hospital,” Martin said. “I have great respect for the legacy Mary Ellen Pratt has created and the outstanding team she has built. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated physicians, employees, Board members, and community partners to continue advancing the hospital’s mission and serving the residents of St. James Parish, while building on the organization’s strong legacy of community-focused care.”
Pratt’s healthcare career spans more than four decades, including 20 years of leadership at St. James Parish Hospital. During her tenure, she oversaw significant organizational growth, including the expansion of clinical services, investments in advanced technology and facility improvements, the development of rehabilitation programs, and the strengthening of partnerships that expanded healthcare access throughout the region. She also helped position the hospital for future growth through initiatives such as the planned West Bank Medical Plaza and continued investments in community health. Under her leadership, St. James Parish Hospital earned numerous quality recognitions while maintaining a strong focus on patient-centered care, employee engagement, and service to the community.
“Serving the people of St. James Parish has been both an honor and a privilege,” said Pratt. “Throughout my career, I have believed that healthcare is ultimately about people—our patients, our employees, and our community. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together and deeply grateful for the trust and support that I have experienced along the way. St. James Parish Hospital has a strong foundation, an exceptional team, and a bright future ahead. While I look forward to the next chapter, this hospital and community will always hold a special place in my heart.”
“Mary Ellen’s impact on St. James Parish Hospital and our community cannot be overstated,” said Reynaud. “Her vision, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the people of St. James Parish have strengthened this organization and impacted the community in countless ways. We are deeply grateful for her years of service and the lasting legacy she leaves behind.”
This leadership transition comes at an exciting time for St. James Parish Hospital as the organization continues investing in expanded services, innovative healthcare programs, and initiatives designed to improve access to care throughout the region. Hospital leaders remain focused on building upon the organization’s strong foundation while advancing its mission of improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves.
