Ochsner Health president and COO to step down after 27 years

Mike Hulefeld, president and COO at New Orleans-based Ochsner Health will step down from the role at the end of 2025 after 27 years with the health system. 

Mr. Hulefeld first joined the system as an administrative fellow and has served in a number of roles, including 13 years as president and COO of the system since November 2022, according to an Sept. 8 news release shared with Becker’s. Prior to 2022, he also served as CEO of Ochsner Medical Center–New Orleans for four years. 

In his role as president and COO, he was responsible for the daily operations across the health system’s 47 hospitals and over 370 health and urgent care centers. During this time, Mr. Hulefeld also spearheaded the establishment of Ochsner MD Cancer Center with seven locations across New Orleans. 

Mr. Hulefeld will remain involved with the health system following the transition, serving as a mentor and educator of Ochsner leaders, the release said. 

Ochsner also named Timothy Riddell, MD, executive vice president and COO. Dr. Riddell has served as the chief medical officer for Ochsner’s Northshore, Mississippi Gulf Coast, Baton Rouge, Acadiana and Rush regions since January. 

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