Recently, LSU welcomed Courtney Phillips, a seasoned health administrator with a diverse background, to serve as a top university administrator overseeing health care operations. Phillips brings with her extensive experience in managing complex health care systems and navigating challenging public health issues, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
Phillips served as the state health department head under Governor John Bel Edwards from 2020 until April 2023. During this time, she oversaw the department’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak and implemented a large-scale vaccine program. Prior to her role with Edwards, she held a similar position in the health care department under former Gov. Bobby Jindal. Despite her Democratic affiliation, Phillips has also advised Republican Gov. Jeff Landry on health care matters after his election last year. She was a member of the governor’s health care transition council and assisted current Louisiana Health Secretary Ralph Abraham with health care financing issues during Landry’s tenure.
Phillips’ tenure as state health secretary saw her oversee various initiatives beyond the COVID-19 response. These included extending postpartum insurance coverage for Medicaid recipients from six weeks to one year and expanding dental coverage for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Medicaid program. However, she also faced criticism for her handling of a widely publicized evacuation of nursing home residents to a warehouse during Hurricane Ida.
It remains to be seen how Phillips’ background and experience will impact LSU’s health care initiatives going forward. Her expertise in navigating complex public health issues could prove valuable as LSU continues its work in this area, while her experience working with both Democratic and Republican governors may help bridge any political divides that may arise in future endeavors.
LSU has not yet disclosed details about Phillips’ compensation package or specific responsibilities within her new role at the university. However, it is clear that her extensive background in healthcare administration will be an asset to LSU as it continues its mission of providing quality education and research in healthcare fields.
In conclusion, Courtney Phillips brings an impressive background and diverse experience to LSU’s new role as top university administrator overseeing healthcare operations. Her expertise in navigating complex public health issues could prove valuable as LSU continues its work in this area while bridging any political divides that may arise in future endeavors.
