Rene Ragas

PRESIDENT & CEO, WOMAN'S HOSPITAL

In 2022, Rene Ragas became president and CEO of Woman’s Hospital, the largest single-hospital birthing facility in Louisiana. With over two decades of expertise as a healthcare executive in the Greater Baton Rouge area, Ragas previously held key positions at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady (FMOL) Health System spanning business development, payor relations, acute care operations, physician relations, and strategic planning.

Under Ragas' leadership, Woman’s Hospital has continued to receive national recognition as one of the best hospitals in the nation providing outstanding service in patient care, implemented the Epic electronic clinical record system, expanded community outreach and health equity initiatives, and created a new comprehensive strategic plan. This visionary plan encompasses pivotal initiatives such as opening Louisiana’s first inpatient perinatal mental health unit solely dedicated to the unique needs of pregnant and postpartum women. This specialized unit is one of only several in the country and opened in September 2024.

A Louisiana native, Ragas earned a master’s degree in healthcare administration at Tulane University and an undergraduate degree in biology from Southeastern Louisiana University. He is recognized as a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives and earned the Grassroots Champion Award in 2023 by the American Hospital Association, in conjunction with the Louisiana Hospital Association, for his work advancing healthcare policy throughout the state.

Ragas is an active member of the community, contributing to various boards and organizations including the Louisiana Hospital Association, Baton Rouge Health District, Vizient Gulf States, Baton Rouge Area Chamber, Foundation for Woman’s, and C100 Louisiana.