News & Updates

Baggett brings more than two decades of leadership experience in healthcare operations, strategic development, and organizational management at the Hospice of East Texas. She has served as Chief Operating Officer for the past seven years, overseeing system-wide operations, advancing organizational growth initiatives, and strengthening the patient and family experience through cross-departmental leadership. During her tenure, Baggett has also held key leadership roles including Vice President of Operations and Innovation and Director of Information Management, also serving as HIPAA Security Officer.

Before joining Hospice of East Texas, Baggett held management roles within Trinity Mother Frances Health System. Baggett holds a Master’s degree in Executive Healthcare Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Arts and Sciences with a minor in Psychology, both from the University of Texas at Tyler, graduating with honors.

This leadership change comes after the announcement of current President/CEO Marji Ream’s retirement, after 21 years at the helm. After her announcement in September, a transition committee made up of current and former board directors oversaw the process to identify a candidate for the CEO role.

“My time at Hospice of East Texas has been professionally and personally fulfilling. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve patients and families, connect with our community, collaborate with other organizations, and to advance the enhancement of the ‘last chapters of life’ for East Texans and beyond”, stated Marji Ream, CEO of Hospice of East Texas.

 “Marji has led this organization in an extraordinary manner for over 20 years”, states Sherry Dunn, Board Chair, Hospice of East Texas. “After serving in the medical field for 29 years prior to being selected as CEO of Hospice of East Texas, Marji came with the depth of experience we needed to further the important mission of caring for patients and their families at the end of life. Her compassion for that work is beyond reproach, and her leadership has been inspired. I think I speak for all who have worked beside her, seen her at the bedside of patients in our in-patient Home Place setting, or witnessed her unfailing energy and selflessness when I say “Thank you, Marji, for your hand in making Hospice of East Texas the pre-eminent hospice in all of East Texas, if not the entire state.  Marji’s legacy of leadership and humanity will be felt for many decades to come.”

A transition committee made up of current and former board directors will oversee the process to identify a candidate for the CEO role.