LSU Names Courtney Phillips Vice President of Health Affairs and Chief Health Officer

LSU has named Courtney Phillips, former Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health, to the position of Vice President of Health Affairs and Chief Health Officer. In this role, Phillips will work closely with university leadership across the LSU system as well as with healthcare partners to maximize the system’s healthcare-related financial well-being, enhance operational efficiency, develop new revenue streams and leverage related strengths.

            This role is a recasting of a previous vice president position that oversaw healthcare across the system. The position will not oversee or manage campuses or their leadership, but will focus on building collaborations and maximizing opportunities to improve the state of healthcare in Louisiana.

“By bringing back this position we are enhancing the efficiency of our healthcare operations and elevating the culture of collaboration in healthcare-related activities across the LSU family. Dr. Phillips’ expertise will bring enterprise solutions and promote a culture of continuous improvement that will ultimately lead to a better healthcare experience for the greater state of Louisiana,” said LSU President William F. Tate IV.

Prior to LSU, Phillips served in multiple executive leadership positions including Executive Commissioner of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission as well as Chief Executive Officer of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. In both of these roles, she implemented strategic plans to optimize healthcare and increase widespread access to lifesaving health services while consolidating state budgets and streamlining technology and infrastructure initiatives.

“Embracing the opportunity to spearhead healthcare initiatives at LSU, I am committed to fostering collaborations, driving efficiency, and enhancing healthcare experiences across Louisiana,” Phillips said. “Together with LSU's board, leadership, and healthcare partners, we will innovate, strategize, and build a healthier future for our communities."

Phillips has a Ph.D. in Public Policy from Southern University as well as a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology from LSU.