Board of Directors

Margaret J. Smith is a dedicated healthcare professional with 29 years of experience. A graduate of Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA, with a degree in Computer Science, Margaret initially worked as a bank teller for CPB and served for nearly 10 years at the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, Kentwood Substation. Witnessing the healthcare needs in her rural community, she decided to shift to nursing to make a meaningful impact.

Margaret began her nursing career at North Oaks Medical Center, working as a Medicine Nurse and later as an Endoscopy Nurse. Her wide-ranging experience opened doors to teaching in the LPN program at what was then Florida Parishes Vocational School, as well as serving as a Nurse Educator and Infectious Disease Nurse at a State of Louisiana Developmental Facility. For the past 13 years, she has been an Onsite RN Care Manager at LA Blue, where her primary responsibility is to improve the lives of Louisianians by helping members navigate and enhance their health through resources, education, and motivation.

Margaret’s greatest joy in her current role comes from seeing community members empower themselves by learning self-advocacy and life skills that holistically improve their lives. Her professional dedication aligns with SCHS's mission of advocating for and enhancing the health of all Louisianians, motivating her to serve on the Southeast Community Health Systems Board.

In addition to her hands-on healthcare work, Margaret holds certifications as a Certified Case Manager and Chronic Disease Management Nurse and has been a Notary Public since 1990. She is guided by moral virtues and a commitment to living a life of servanthood, following the motto, "Be the change you wish to see in the world."

Outside of work, Margaret enjoys traveling, reading, and collecting works by African American authors. Her personal and professional life reflects a dedication to making a lasting, positive impact on her community and beyond.