Among Louisiana Legends Honorees

James K. Elrod, president and chief executive officer of Willis- Knighton Health System, is among five Louisianans who were honored by Friends of Louisiana Public Broadcasting at its Louisiana Legends Awards Gala and Auction.

The event, a fund-raiser for Friends of LPB, was held on May 3 in Baton Rouge at the Old State Capitol.

This year’s honored legends also include D-D Breaux, LSU gymnastics coach and National Coach of the Year; technology entrepreneur Thomas Chance; Ted Jones, former chief lobbyist for Louisiana in Washington, D.C.; and author and community leader Sybil Morial.

The award recognizes the best and brightest of Louisiana’s sons and daughters who have distinguished themselves in a variety of disciplines and have brought honor to the state. Elrod is being cited for his leadership of Willis-Knighton and contributions to health care in North Louisiana and is the first hospital executive to receive this prestigious honor. He is also distinguished as the longest-tenured hospital administrator in the United States.

Begun in 1990, the Louisiana Legends Gala is a fund-raising and public awareness project that draws support and participation across the state from citizens who value the many fine instructional, educational and cultural programs LPB provides.