Forrest Whichard Named Vice President of Operations

Forrest Whichard has been named vice president of operations.

Forrest will oversee perioperative, therapy, lab and imaging services and security, among other operational responsibilities. He joins the leadership team after serving as chief operating officer and chief financial officer at Great Falls Clinic Hospital and Surgery Center in Great Falls, Mont.

Before working in Montana, Forrest was regional CFO for Ochsner Health System in Louisiana and Mississippi and was named Ochsner’s new executive of the year in 2013. As CEO of Doctors Hospital at Deer Creek in Leesville, La., he successfully opened a new physician-owned hospital on time and under budget.

“Forrest’s breadth of experience will be a welcome addition to our team,” said Polly Davenport, president of CHI St. Vincent Infirmary and CHI St. Vincent North. “We are glad to have Forrest working alongside us as our ministry continues to grow to serve the needs of the community.”

Forrest has bachelor’s degrees in management and in accounting and a Master’s of Business Administration from Southeastern Louisiana University. He has served in a number of health care finance and operations positions in his career.