Federico “Fred” Martinez, chief executive officer of St. Charles Parish Hospital (STCH), has announced today he will retire later this year, capping a 29-year career with the hospital.
“It’s been an honor and privilege to not only work alongside the tremendous staff here, but to serve the St. Charles community,” said Martinez. “Due to recent health issues, I’ve made the difficult decision to take a step back. I strongly feel that through our partnership with Ochsner Health System, our employees and patients are in great hands and I look forward to what this new chapter will bring.”Martinez has had a long and successful career in healthcare leadership.
He started his career in healthcare as the assistant administrator of South Jefferson Hospital. He then helped in the development and opening of what is now Ochsner Medical Center-West Bank 35 years ago serving as the Assistant Administrator of Meadowcrest Hospital.
After that position, in March of 1986, he joined St. Charles Parish Hospital as the CEO.“Fred has demonstrated his commitment to St. Charles Parish Hospital, his employees and the community. He has built a strong team and his dedication and perseverance on the hospital’s behalf are to be commended,” said Michael Hulefeld, chief operating officer, Ochsner Health System. “He has also been an asset to Ochsner and I want to personally thank him for his contributions to our organization and to the hospital he loves.”
Martinez has played a vital role in many important accomplishments at St. Charles Parish Hospital, such as:
In 1992, a medical office building was added to the hospital campus, providing clinical space for outpatient services and several medical specialties. During this time, a new surgery facility was also developed and built.
Throughout his tenure, he has worked closely with Access Health of Louisiana, a successful network and regional leader of Federally Qualified Health Centers, to ensure the underserved in St. Charles Parish and elsewhere have appropriate access to care.
In 2007, led the David J. Vial, M.D. Bed Tower Expansion which allowed for the growth of critical services including inpatient, ICU, Medical-Surgical and Behavioral Health Services.
In June 2007, property in Ashton Plantation was purchased and Fred worked with Schonberg & Associates to develop and build The Ashton Manor Assisted Living & Memory Care facility. STCH now owns 9% of that facility.
In 2009, garnered funding for the St. Charles Parish Dialysis Center on site that now serves hundreds of patients annually.
Over the last three years, he has led the development of the Plantation View Medical Office Building to better serve patients and families on the East Bank of the Parish. This new facility will open in the coming months.
In 2013, he oversaw the design and development of a new state-of-the-art Emergency Department at STCH. The collaboration with Ochsner in this process also resulted in the addition of TeleStroke services increasing the teams’ ability to more effectively treat stroke patients.
In 2014, STCH developed and opened a new Cardiac Catheterization Lab and Cardiology Wing, providing a full range of Cardiology Services.Other accomplishments have included the development of a Medical Office Building in Ormond, East and West Bank Ambulance stations, and the development of a new Laboratory Department among other services.
Martinez has served many community organizations and has been a member of the LERN Board, the Rural Hospital Coalition, 911 Communication District Board and the United Way of St. Charles Board.
He has also held memberships in the Louisiana Hospital Association, The Rotary Club of St. Charles and in the American College of Healthcare Executives.He earned his Masters in Business Administration degree from Tulane University in 1984.
Martinez also served our country in the US Army for 3 years – from June 1970-June 1973.Martinez will remain CEO while a nationwide search is conducted for a new CEO for St. Charles Parish Hospital to ensure a seamless transition.
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