Biz New Orleans Honors Sutton as Executive of the Year

Biz New Orleans has named Michele Kidd Sutton, FACHE, President and CEO of North Oaks Health System, one of seven Executives of the Year for 2025. This distinction honors leaders whose work strengthens organizations while elevating the Greater New Orleans business community. 

Sutton leads North Oaks Health System, the largest independent hospital service district in Louisiana, serving the Northshore. Known for her servant-leadership style, Sutton emphasizes collaboration, empowerment and respect for frontline expertise—principles that continue to guide the health system’s growth and community impact.

“Leadership in healthcare is ultimately about service. I’m incredibly humbled by this honor, particularly to be recognized alongside so many respected leaders,” Sutton shares. “Any success attributed to me truly belongs to the dedicated healthcare professionals here at North Oaks who help guide our decisions every day. Our work is never about individual achievement. It’s about our team, our patients and community. Simply put, it’s about our shared purpose to improve lives.”

Since beginning her career at North Oaks in 1988, she has advanced through a series of leadership roles—from community resources officer to COO and executive vice president—before being named President and CEO in 2017. Beyond North Oaks, Sutton serves on the Committee of 100 for Economic Development, Inc. and was reappointed by Gov. Jeff Landry to the Louisiana Emergency Response Network State Commission. She is also active in the Northshore Business Council and the Northshore Healthscape Collaborative. Of particular note are her current roles as Chair of both the Louisiana Hospital Association and the American College of Healthcare Executives, reflecting her influence at state, national and international levels.

Under Sutton’s leadership, North Oaks has doubled its provider network and completed more than $500 million in expansion projects, modernizing its infrastructure and expanding access to exceptional healthcare across the Northshore. Looking ahead, North Oaks plans to build on this momentum with an estimated $160 million in additional investments over the next three years to support continued growth and modernization.

A steadfast commitment to workforce development and community well-being defines Sutton’s leadership approach. Since 2024, one North Oaks career advancement program has helped 40 medical assistants become licensed practical nurses in partnership with Northshore Technical Community College. The organization has increased its minimum wage from $9 to $17 per hour, maintained flat employee medical insurance premiums for 6 consecutive years and launched Louisiana’s first hospital-based food pantry for patients.

With more than 3,000 employees, North Oaks has earned national recognition for its workplace culture, including designation by Becker’s Healthcare as one of 100 Great Community Hospitals and one of 150 Top Place to Work in Healthcare.

Forbes has likewise named North Oaks one of America’s Best-in-State Employers—ranking No. 11 in Louisiana—and to its inaugural list of America’s Best Employers for Healthcare Professionals, ranking No. 83. These honors reflect strong employee engagement, retention and organizational stability under Sutton’s tutelage.

Beyond healthcare delivery, North Oaks serves as a major economic driver, contributing $3.2 billion annually to the Northshore economy.

Biz New Orleans has previously named Sutton to the New Orleans 500 for five consecutive year since 2020. This honor recognizes leaders who are shaping the region’s economy, elevating industries and strengthening Greater New Orleans communities.

Since 2014, Biz New Orleans has provided key business news, thoughtful analysis and valuable strategic insights to business leaders in the New Orleans metro area and beyond.