Baton Rouge General (BRG) recently announced two changes to its executive leadership team. Stephen Mumford, who has served as the hospital’s vice president of operations since 2017, was promoted to BRG’s chief operating officer, and the BRG Foundation has named Erik Showalter as its new president.
Mumford joined the organization as a nurse in 2005, and has since served in multiple patient care and healthcare management positions including director of perioperative services, director of practice management at Baton Rouge General Physicians (BRGP), and vice president of clinical service lines. As COO, he will oversee operations of Baton Rouge General Physicians and Baton Rouge Rehabilitation Hospital, as well as business development, physician partnerships, ancillary services, and service departments for BRG.
From partnering with both independent and employed physicians, working closely with nursing, ensuring patient safety, and focusing on employee and patient engagement, Mumford has been instrumental in improving the organization in each of his roles at BRG.
“Stephen’s clinical and business background lend valuable insight to our leadership team,” said BRG’s President and CEO Edgardo Tenreiro. “Not only about operational decisions, but also how those decisions will affect patients, employees, and physicians.”
Most recently, Mumford earned a Master’s in Business Education from LSU, and in 2011, earned a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification. He is also a member of the Baton Rouge Health District’s Shared Services Task Force, the Association of Perioperative Nurses, and the American Hospital Association. Mumford also holds a certification as certified nurse, operating room (CNOR).
In addition to Mumford’s promotion, BRG announced that Erik Showalter will serve as president of the BRG Foundation. In 2016, the BRG Foundation recruited Showalter from CCS Fundraising in Washington, DC, where he served as the assistant vice president. In that role, he launched a major three-year campaign for the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center. He also co-chaired the firm’s Social and Human Services sector, leading industry insight for an international team of 35 directors.
As the BRG Foundation’s major and planned gifts officer, Showalter has been instrumental in developing relationships with the community and with donors in securing major contributions to the organization. As president of the Foundation and a member of BRG’s executive leadership team, Showalter will work closely with the Foundation board to lead the strategic vision of the Foundation. He will also oversee Foundation staff and the hospital’s Volunteer Services and Auxiliary departments.
“Erik is a passionate supporter of Baton Rouge General,” said Foundation Board Chair Gwen Hamilton. “And even more importantly, he is a genuine leader with the strength and drive the BRG Foundation needs to continue to support the hospital’s vision.”
Showalter was named a certified fundraising executive (CFRE), one of only 5,200 professionals with the international designation, in 2011. He is a board member for the Baton Rouge Association of Fundraising Professionals and for the Baton Rouge Coastal Conservation Association, and recently graduated from the Baton Rouge Area Chamber Leadership Program. This year, he was a presenter at the John W. Barton, Sr. Community Development Leadership Program.