LCH welcomes new CEO and a renewed attitude

4/15/2009

Special from the Northwest Alabamian

Jim Jeansonne knows a thing or two about healthcare, and about living in a small town. So he's had no problem stepping in as the new CEO at Lakeland Community Hospital. Jim will tell you he's from Louisiana, but he's lived in every state south of the Mason-Dixon except Florida, Arkansas and South Carolina.  Jim and his wife Trish have been married for more than 40 years. They have two daughters, four grandsons and two granddaughters, including a little girl adopted from China.

Jim holds a Masters Degree in Health Systems from Georgia Tech, and an undergraduate degree in Business Administration and Economics from Northwestern State University in Louisiana. He served as a Captain in the U.S. Army Medical Service Corps, fulfilling administrative and management assignments in military hospitals at Fort Benning, GA; West Point, NY; and in Korea.

Jim enjoys flying and is an instrument-rated pilot. He has served as a volunteer pilot for Angel Flight, a non-profit organization that coordinates medical transportation for people in need. He loves being active in the community and has served as President of the Kiwanis Club in Natchez, MS. He also served on the Parish Council for Sacred Health Catholic Church in Vidalia, GA. He is a Paul Harris Fellow in Rotary International and is proud to be a member of the Haleyville Chapter of Rotarians.  He is a huge supporter of Relay For Life, and has volunteered to join the committee to plan next year's event.

Jim has a very enthusiastic attitude. He understands the values and traditions of a small town and thinks it's important to honor them. He brings a renewed sense of community spirit and encourages his employees to take active roles in their favorite organizations. He welcomes you to the hospital and wants you to know it's not just a place for sick people. Great things happen inside these walls every day, and Jim wants you to be a part of that.

There's a renewed attitude at Lakeland Community Hospital, but some things will never change – like our commitment to excellent healthcare and our mission to make our community a healthier place to live.