Traci Thompson

CHRISTUS Health is pleased to announce that Traci Thompson, J.D., has joined CHRISTUS Health’s Advocacy and Public Policy team.  Traci began her new role on April 3, 2017, and will be headquartered in Baton Rouge where, among other things, she will work to advance CHRISTUS Health’s Louisiana and federal policy and advocacy priorities.

“I am confident Traci will help us immensely in successfully navigating the policy changes ahead so that we can continue to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ,” said Gabriela Saenz, Vice President, Advocacy and Public Policy.  “Traci is in the unique position to work closely with our community leaders on CHRISTUS priorities such as school-based health centers, the continued protection of vulnerable populations, conscience protections and to eliminate barriers and increase transparency for our patients and medical providers.”

Thompson’s background includes advising clients in the health care industry on existing and potential regulatory and policy-driven initiatives.  Prior to joining CHRISTUS Health, Traci’s extensive legal background includes serving as Counsel to Phelps Dunbar, L.L.P. and as a Partner to Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson, L.L.P.  During her time in private practice, she focused specifically on promoting telehealth education and access in Louisiana and actively works on the Louisiana Task Force on Telehealth Access to assist with the state’s telehealth policies and regulations. 

After receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Virginia in 1999, Thompson worked as an Associate Director with the Advisory Board Company located out of Washington, D.C., furthering her health care expertise. Thompson has also written and lectured on a variety of health care legal topics throughout her career on a local and national level.

She earned her J.D. from Louisiana State University and has been named a “Rising Star” in health care by Louisiana Super Lawyers for the past several years and has been awarded a Preeminent AV Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating.  She has served her community through board service and philanthropic  involvement with various organizations including the Women’s Hospital Foundation, Emerge Center, Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre, Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations, American Health Lawyers Association, Louisiana Society of Hospital Attorneys, and the Healthcare Financial Management Association, among others.

“I am thrilled to take on this new role and be part of a health care organization committed to the many communities we serve in Northern, Central and Southwestern Louisiana,” explained Thompson.  “As a member of the CHRISTUS team, I have the opportunity to help CHRISTUS navigate through the evolving health care issues affecting our communities and to communicate our knowledge and understanding of important policy and advocacy initiatives with our Associates, physicians, state leaders and other influencers.”  

 “We are excited to have a constant and reliable physical presence in Louisiana to continue our advocacy efforts,” said Saenz. “We know our leaders will depend on Thompson for guidance as we work together with our lawmakers to build healthier communities.”

Traci Thompson (Col ’99) has joined the law firm of Kantrow Spaht Weaver and Blitzer in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she will be leading the firm’s transactional and regulatory  health care practice. Ms. Thompson has been named a “Rising Star” in health care by Louisiana Super Lawyers for the past several years and has received a Martindale-Hubbell peer review rating of “AV Preeminent.” She is also the co-author of the children’s book Goodnight Cavaliers.