LUTCHER — St. James Parish Hospital CEO Mary Ellen Pratt was recently named one of the nation’s “Top 50 Rural Hospital CEOs to Know” by Becker’s Hospital Review — the nation’s leading source of cutting edge business and legal information for healthcare industry leaders.

Mary Ellen was the only CEO in Louisiana to receive this prestigious recognition, which is based on rural health care awards and leadership in addition to organizational performance.

According to Becker’s Hospital Review, the recipients of this recognition “have demonstrated dedication to providing high-quality, accessible care to their communities and many of the executives have either received rural healthcare accolades or led their organization to a status worthy of awards and recognition.”

“It’s a unanimous sentiment that Mary Ellen is deserving of this award. Since the recognition was announced, Mary Ellen has received acknowledgement and well wishes from not only our staff but peers and other leaders nationwide,” said Kassie Roussel, St. James Parish Hospital Director of Marketing. “On behalf of our hospital family, we want to thank her for the countless hours she spends lobbying for not only our hospital but rural healthcare in general.

“Mary Ellen is truly committed to protecting access to care in our community.”

To learn more about the Becker Hospital Review, visit beckershospitalreview.com.