David LeMonte
The Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas (BHSET) Board of Trustees and leadership team announced the appointment of David LeMonte, MHA, as chief executive officer (CEO) effective June 30.
LeMonte joins BHSET with more than 30 years of health care leadership experience and touted record of advancing quality, operational excellence, physician engagement and strategic growth. Most recently, he served as CEO of HCA Florida Aventura Hospital, a nationally recognized 493-bed tertiary care and teaching hospital in South Florida.
Also, LeMonte led hospitals and health systems, including executive leadership roles in Corpus Christi, Kingsville, Alice, Livingston and Lufkin.
“I am honored to join Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas and become part of the Southeast Texas community,” said LeMonte. “From my first conversations with the board, physicians and leadership team, it was clear that BHSET is a special organization with a strong culture and a deep commitment to serving others. I look forward to working alongside this talented team as we continue to care for the communities we serve.”
For LeMonte, joining BHSET also represents a return to Texas, where he spent much of his health care leadership career.
“We are excited to welcome David to the BHSET family,” said Gary Coker, chairman of the Board of Trustees. “Throughout the search process, David distinguished himself as an accomplished health care leader with a deep commitment to culture, quality and community. His experience and character make him an outstanding fit for Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas and the communities we serve.”
LeMonte succeeds Justin Doss, who recently accepted the role of chief operating officer for Community Hospital Corporation (CHC). In his new position, Doss will provide operational leadership and support to hospitals across CHC’s national network, including BHSET, while remaining actively connected to Baptist Hospitals and its continued success.
“Leading Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas has been one of the greatest privileges of my career,” said Doss. “I am incredibly proud of what our physicians, employees and volunteers have accomplished together. We have built a strong foundation for the future, and I am confident David’s leadership, experience and commitment to people will help continue that momentum. I look forward to supporting him and the organization as BHSET continues to serve our patients and communities.”
