Brian T. Kirk, CPA, MBA, FHFMA, FACHE, has been named VP of Physician Practices and Ziad Maurice Ashkar, MD, has been named Chief Medical Officer. Both appointments are effective January 3, 2011.

Brian Kirk most recently held the position of Chief Financial Officer at Opelousas General Health System.  In his position as VP Of Physician Practices, his responsibilities will include building an efficient and effective business model for Lafayette General’s physician practices as well as overseeing the growth and development of new practices. During his tenure at OGH, his many accomplishments focused around the efficient management and profitability of healthcare operations in the face of the many challenges presented through reform and budget constraints.

Dr. Ziad Ashkar joins Lafayette General as Chief Medical Officer (CMO), bringing with him a strong clinical background as a practicing nephrologist for over 15 years. In addition to his medical degree and nephrology fellowship at Emory University in Atlanta, Dr. Ashkar obtained a Masters in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD, and an MBA from LSU, Baton Rouge. Beginning this spring, he will be enrolled in the Executive Doctor of Science Program, Health Systems Management at Tulane in New Orleans.