As Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, Matthew Block is responsible for advancing Ochsner Health’s impact at the local, state and national level by leading teams across Government Relations, Community Affairs and Philanthropy. In addition, Block oversees Ochsner’s Corporate Real Estate, Internal Audit and Compliance teams, which include Security and Emergency Preparedness teams across the system.

Previously, Block served for almost seven years as executive counsel and a top senior staff member for Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards. Originally from Thibodaux, Louisiana, Block has played a vital role in helping the state navigate effectively through the pandemic, multiple hurricanes, and other statewide issues, and was instrumental in helping Louisiana expand Medicaid and develop new programs to improve healthcare access. During his time with the state, Block also led Louisiana’s work with Ochsner in the formation of Ochsner's partnership with LSU Health Shreveport.

Since leaving the governor’s office last year, Block has served as an external adviser to Ochsner, helping the leadership team move forward on key government relations and related initiatives.

Prior to his public service in the governor’s office, Block practiced law throughout Louisiana and developed extensive experience in business and commercial litigation. A member of the Louisiana Bar since 1998 and a Bar Foundation Fellow since 2010, Block is a former member of the Louisiana State Bond Commission, Louisiana State Law Institute, and Louisiana State Bar House of Delegates. He is a frequent lecturer at continuing legal education programs and is a graduate of the U.S. Army War College Commandant’s National Security Program.