Alumnus named CEO of St. Charles Parish Hospital

An interest in research prepared Tulane University alumnus Austin Reeder for the study of public health. His degrees from the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine prepared him for the position of chief executive officer for St. Charles Parish Hospital, a facility managed by Ochsner Health System.

Striving to focus on clinical research during graduate school, Reeder decided to pursue a master of public health degree in epidemiology.

“I was drawn to New Orleans due to Tulane’s reputation and pursued research at the Tulane Cancer Center,” he said.

“It’s important to have the hospital continue to be connected — to listen and learn from people in order to see how we can better serve them.”

— Austin Reeder, CEO of St. Charles Parish Hospital

After receiving his MPH in 2011, Reeder decided to follow his passion for leadership. He earned a master of health administration degree in 2013.

Before being appointed to his new position, the Birmingham, Alabama, native previously served as vice president of service lines and operations at East Jefferson General Hospital in Metairie, Louisiana.

Reeder now oversees strategic planning at St. Charles Parish Hospital, a 59-bed facility in Luling, Louisiana.

“It’s important to have the hospital continue to be connected — to listen and learn from people in order to see how we can better serve them. I hope to do that and create access to quality care,” said Reeder.

When asked if he had words of wisdom for Tulane students graduating in May, Reeder said,  “It’s important to take risks and to continue to learn.”

Reeder also advised students currently enrolled in the MHA program to use the resources that the School of Public Health offers. “They were an important factor in my own growth,” he said.