Post by Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas

On behalf of the Board of Trustees and leadership team of Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas, we are pleased to announce the appointment of David LeMonte, MHA, as Chief Executive Officer of Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas, effective June 30, 2026. David joins BHSET with more than 30 years of healthcare leadership experience and a proven record of advancing quality, operational excellence, physician engagement and strategic growth. Most recently, he served as Chief Executive Officer of HCA Florida Aventura Hospital, a nationally recognized 493-bed tertiary care and teaching hospital in South Florida. Throughout his career, David has led hospitals and health systems across the country, including executive leadership roles in Corpus Christi, Kingsville, Alice, Livingston and Lufkin. His experience building strong relationships with physicians, employees and community leaders, combined with his focus on quality and patient-centered care, aligns closely with BHSET's mission and Sacred Work. For David, joining BHSET also represents a return to Texas, where he spent much of his healthcare leadership career. He has long hoped to return and continue serving Texas communities, making this opportunity especially meaningful for him and his family. "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 healthcare 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." David succeeds Justin Doss, who recently accepted the role of Chief Operating Officer for Community Hospital Corporation (CHC). In his new position, Justin 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 BHSET 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." "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." Please join us in welcoming David and his family to the BHSET family and the Southeast Texas community.