Parkland Board named recipient of Star Trustee Award
First board to be recognized with association’s honor
Parkland Health & Hospital System’s Board of Managers was named the recipient of the Star Trustee Award by the Texas Healthcare Trustees at its annual conference in Austin. The Star Trustee Award was created in 2012 to recognize and encourage engagement in advocacy on behalf their hospital, health system or healthcare-related organization to strengthen and improve the healthcare community. The award was given previously by the Texas Hospital Association from 2009-2011 to an outstanding Texas trustee. This is the first time an entire board has received the award.
The seven-members of Parkland’s board serve in voluntary positions without compensation and are appointed by the Dallas County Commissioners. Board members include Debbie Dudley Branson, chair; Patricia Gorman, vice chair; L. Gerald “Jerry” Bryant; Paula Dobbs-Wiggins, MD; Scherry Johnson, EdD; Winfred Parnell, MD; and Stephanie Woods, PhD, RN.
“Parkland’s transformation has been recognized throughout the state and the country. The Parkland Health & Hospital System Board of Managers truly exemplifies teamwork and excellence in healthcare governance. Texas Healthcare Trustees is excited to honor such a dedicated group of leaders as this year’s Star Trustee Award recipients,” said Stacy G. Cantu, President and CEO, Texas Healthcare Trustees.
Although Board members have backgrounds and interests as diverse as their occupations, each provides a critical role in ensuring that Parkland successfully meets its mission of dedication “to the health and well-being of the individuals and communities entrusted to our care.”
“The Parkland Board of Managers has steadfastly believed in the essential mission of Parkland. Together they have formed a cohesive team, serving as champions for patients, physicians and staff,” said Fred Cerise, MD, MPH, Parkland’s President and CEO. “They have taken their role in governance seriously to ensure Parkland continues to provide high quality, safe and cost-effective patient care while also leading the construction of the nation’s largest new hospital project and managing an operating budget exceeding one billion dollars.
“With the opening of the new, state-of-the-art healthcare campus in August, Dallas County residents are assured that Parkland’s proud legacy of public healthcare in North Texas has a secure future,” Dr. Cerise added. “The new hospital-based facilities as well as the growing primary care presence in the community provide testament to the leadership and vision of Parkland’s Board of Managers.”
Back