By Journal Services Staff Writer
Leading Willis Knighton Health with Deep Roots and Forward Vision
When Jerry “Jaf” Fielder II assumed the role of President and Chief Executive Officer of Willis Knighton Health System in October 2021, he brought both deep institutional knowledge and fresh perspective to guide the 7,100-employee organization into its next chapter. Taking the helm from James Elrod, who had led the system for 56 years, Fielder’s ascension marked a seamless transition rooted in decades of preparation and community connection.
A Foundation of Experience
Fielder’s connection to Shreveport runs generations deep, with his grandfather and great-uncle establishing Fielder’s Grocery on the corner of Fairfield and Pierremont in the 1940s. This family legacy of community service continues through his healthcare leadership today. As a Shreveport native, Fielder understands the unique challenges facing northwest Louisiana’s healthcare landscape.
His ascension to CEO was the culmination of more than 30 years with Willis Knighton Health System, where he started at age 23 and served in multiple senior roles including Chief Operating Officer, Senior Vice President, and Administrator of Willis Knighton North before his promotion in October 2021. This extensive tenure provided comprehensive understanding of the organization’s operations, from clinical excellence to financial stewardship.
Strategic Business Leadership
Fielder’s business acumen shines through his strategic approach to healthcare delivery in a challenging market environment. He demonstrates sophisticated understanding of healthcare economics, noting that “greater than 40%, almost 45% of our population is on Medicaid,” highlighting his data-driven approach to reimbursement challenges. Under his leadership, Willis Knighton continues navigating complex financial realities while maintaining its commitment to accessible, high-quality care.
As CEO, Fielder oversees an integrated healthcare delivery system consisting of four acute care hospitals, a rehabilitation institute, an extensive multi-specialty physician network, and the state’s largest retirement community, The Oaks of Louisiana. His leadership philosophy balances technological advancement with the personal touch that has defined Willis Knighton’s approach since 1924.
Medical and Operational Excellence
Fielder’s medical expertise extends beyond traditional hospital administration. He has positioned Willis Knighton Health as a forward-thinking organization that embraces innovation while maintaining its core community service mission. His ability to maintain operational excellence while implementing strategic improvements demonstrates the sophisticated business skills that have made him an effective healthcare executive.
Educational partnerships, such as the agreement with Centenary College’s Center for Innovative Learning, exemplify his commitment to healthcare workforce development. These initiatives create pathways for employee advancement, reflecting his understanding that excellent healthcare depends on continuous learning and skill enhancement.
Community Engagement and Recognition
Fielder’s influence extends well beyond hospital walls. His reelection as a trustee for the Louisiana Health Association (LHA) in 2024 underscores his statewide impact on healthcare policy and advocacy. As one of only two representatives from northwest Louisiana on the board, he serves as a crucial voice for regional healthcare interests, actively engaging in critical conversations about Medicaid reimbursements and healthcare policy.
His extensive community involvement includes leadership roles with the Northwest Louisiana Food Bank, where he served as chairman for two years, the North Louisiana Goodwill Industries board of directors, and five years on the MLK Clinic board. His faith-based leadership extends to his role as a deacon at University Church of Christ.
Fielder’s contributions to healthcare and community service were formally recognized in May 2025 when Northwestern State University awarded him an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities during spring commencement exercises, acknowledging his professional achievements and broader impact on education and community development in Louisiana.
Balancing Leadership and Values
Despite leading a major healthcare system, Fielder maintains strong connections to his agricultural roots, spending time on his family farm when away from executive duties. This connection provides perspective on the diverse communities Willis Knighton serves, from urban Shreveport-Bossier to rural areas throughout the Ark-La-Tex region.
His educational background includes a Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Business Administration from Abilene Christian University, plus a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from LSU Shreveport. His commitment to family—he is married to Shelly and has three grown daughters, Jordan, Jenna, and Jamie—reflects the personal values that inform his healthcare leadership approach.
Leading into the Future
Under Fielder’s leadership, Willis Knighton Health System continues embodying its mission of improving the health and well-being of the people it serves. His vision extends beyond maintaining current excellence to positioning the organization for sustained success in an evolving healthcare landscape.
Through strategic leadership, community engagement, and unwavering commitment to healthcare excellence, Jerry “Jaf” Fielder II exemplifies CEO leadership that not only sustains organizational success but also strengthens the community’s healthcare systems serve. His story represents deep roots, professional growth, and dedicated service—qualities that continue defining Willis Knighton Health’s approach to caring for northwest Louisiana.