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HCAA Alumni Updates - December 2017
Class Notes for HCAD alumni

Jim Weadick ’71 retired from his position as CEO of Piedmont Newton Hospital in Covington, GA.

Lindsey Bradley Jr. ’74 recently announced his retirement as CEO of the CHRISTUS Health Northeast Texas region after more than 36 years at the health system. The Northeast Texas region includes CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System, CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System and CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System. Most recently, Lindsey was CEO of Tyler, Texas-based CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System, which includes eight hospitals.

Lucas Snipes ’74 served as Trinity's delegate at the inauguration of Meredith Jung-En Woo, the 13th President of Sweet Briar College in Sweet Briar, VA on September 22, 2017.

Bill Garrett ’79 retired in September 2016 and now resides in Morehead City, NC with his wife, Connie.

Greg Terrell ’80 retired from his position as COO at Norman Regional Health System and is enjoying the good life in Norman, OK.

Bruce Lawrence ’82, President and CEO of INTEGRIS Health, recently announced he's stepping down from the post at the end of this year. His retirement will end a 17-year-long relationship he's had with the state's largest nonprofit health care system including eight years as its top executive. Lawrence joined INTEGRIS in 2000 and served as President of INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center and INTEGRIS Southwest Medical Center before becoming President and CEO of the larger system in 2010.

Susan Hackman Kingston ’83 passed away unexpectedly on September 14, 2017 while vacationing in Greece. She graduated from Burlington High School in 1956 where she was recognized as Most Outstanding Student. She moved to Chicago where she graduated from The James Ward Thorne School of Nursing of then Passavant Memorial Hospital.

Rick Merrill ’84, President and CEO of Cook Children’s Health Care System, was honored in June with the Second Annual Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce Susan Halsey Executive Leadership Award at the Chamber’s 135th Annual Meeting luncheon June 1 at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel. The award, named after the late Susan Halsey who served as Chairman of the Chamber in 2013, recognizes presidents, principals or chief executive officers who strengthen and transform the organization they lead.

John Yeary ’84 is now a semi-retired executive working as an independent consultant in health and business administration in Garland, Texas as well as a full-time grandpa. Prior, John served as President/CEO at DeSoto Regional Health System in Mansfield, LA in 2008-2010 and from 2010-2016, he was CEO/Owner of Regional Health Services, LLC, in Alexandria, LA and sold the company in October 2016.

Karen Babb ’85 was promoted to Executive Director at Life Care Center of Merrimack Valley, a nursing and rehabilitation center in North Billerica, MA. Karen has been a health care administrator for 30 years and has worked in skilled nursing centers for the last 20 years.

Karmon Bjella ’85, President of MidMichigan Medical Center-Alpena, recently announced his decision to retire July 1, 2018. Karmon has been with the Medical Center in Alpena as President since November 2007. Before coming to MidMichigan, he served as President and CEO of Unity Healthcare in Muscatine, Iowa for 11 years, as well as Vice President of Iowa Health System. Under Karmon’s leadership as President, the Medical Center affiliated with MidMichigan Health in April 2016, changing its name from Alpena Regional Medical Center to MidMichigan Medical Center-Alpena. The affiliation made the Medical Center in Alpena the second-largest subsidiary of MidMichigan.

Paul Poparad ’85 is currently discerning retirement or a Midwest interim assignment after 50 years as a nurse and 42 years as a health care administrator or patient care executive.

Brett McClung ’92, Executive Vice President and North Zone Operations Leader for Texas Health Resources, was honored with the Senior Level Healthcare Executive Award from ACHE. The award recognizes Brett’s leadership in the ACHE and the community.

For nearly 25 years, he has held various leadership positions at Texas Health. He is also been a volunteer in the community and health care industry through organizations such as the Dallas/Fort Worth Hospital Council, Tarrant County American Heart Association and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce. Brett volunteers his leadership to the March of Dimes, Dallas Division board of directors, Healthy Tarrant County Collaboration (Past Chairman), and the Trinity University Healthcare Advisory Council. Brett was a Wharton Fellow with the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and a Marshall Memorial Leadership Fellow with the German Marshall Fund of the United States.

Bryan Croft ’95 was promoted from Vice President to Senior Vice President of Operations at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA as of July 2017.

Chuck Spicer ’95 was recently inducted into Cooper High School's Class of 1988’s Hall of Fame as part of homecoming festivities. Chuck has served as President and CEO of the University of Oklahoma Medical System, the state’s most comprehensive academic health system that includes OU Medical Center, The Children’s Hospital at OU Medical Center, OU Medical Center Edmond, Stephenson Cancer Center, OU Medicine Breast Health Network and Valir Rehabilitation Hospital. He is active in the community, serving on boards of United Way, Allied Arts, Oklahoma Health Center Foundation, Oklahoma Hospital Association and Young Presidents Organization. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. He was the 2015 recipient of the Red Shoe Award for contributions to Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Jodi Beauregard ’97 retired from a gratifying health care administration career in July 2014. She graduated from the HCAD Executive Program.

Jim Bohnsack ’97, ’99 was selected President & CEO of Strivant Health in Dallas, TX.

Robert Horrar ’97 was selected as COO of Medical Facilities Corporation and was quickly promoted as President and CEO. Robert is a seasoned health care leader with more than 25 years of experience in health plan and hospital operations. He was formerly with Community Health Systems, Inc. which he joined in 1998 as Vice-President of Business Development ultimately reaching the position of Division President responsible for overseeing the operations of affiliated hospitals in Indiana, Tennessee and West Virginia. Before Community Health Systems, Robert was with Humana, Inc. for over 11 years and held several key management positions, including Executive Director for Nevada operations. As President and CEO, Robert will work closely with the board, hospital and center leadership and physician partners to ensure the company further strengthens the excellent patient care offered at its facilities throughout the United States and pursues dynamic growth opportunities in today's evolving health care landscape.

Xavier Villarreal ’97 joined the Board of Trustees at the Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council. Xavier is CEO of Medical City North Hills.

Matt Chance ’98 was named a Class of 2017 Fellow in the Leadership Program of the THA Foundation. Matt serves as Senior Vice President of Operations at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in Dallas, TX.

Chris Glenney ’98 was promoted Senior Vice President of Group Operations for CHRISTUS Health and Chief Executive Officer of CHRISTUS Health Northeast Texas which includes CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System, CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System and CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System in Tyler, TX.

Monica Vargas-Mahar ’98 was selected Market Chief Operating Officer by The Hospitals of Providence in addition to her role as CEO of the Sierra Campus. As Market Chief Operating Officer, Monica will help the network capture market opportunities for improved operational effectiveness and efficiency that will lead to enhanced value for patients. Monica joined Tenet Healthcare in 2001 and has served in numerous leadership roles. Prior to being named CEO of Sierra Campus, she served as Chief Operating Officer of Providence Memorial Hospital and Providence Children’s Hospital. From 2008 to October 2011, Monica served as Chief Operating Officer for Sierra Providence East Medical Center. Monica was named 2012’s Up and Comers by Modern Healthcare Magazine and was just named one of El Paso Inc.’s Women of Impact for 2017.

Jeanene Anthony ’99 was named Vice President of Business Development and Planning at Driscoll Children's Hospital in Corpus Christi, TX.

Mary Dale Peterson, M.D. ’99 was elected First Vice President of The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) at the ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2017 annual meeting and will serve for one year. In addition to her Vice President position at Driscoll Children's Health System in Corpus Christi, TX, Mary is Emeritus Staff at Driscoll Children's Hospital and President and CEO of Driscoll Children's Health Plan, a nonprofit, community-based health insurance plan. She is also a Clinical Assistant Professor at Texas A&M University in College Station, TX. Mary has served ASA in numerous roles, most recently as ASA Treasurer. She has been a member of many ASA committees including the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors and the Ad Hoc Committees on Strategic Plan Review and Data Governance. Mary is currently Chair of the ASA Section on Fiscal Affairs and has been on the ASA Board of Directors since 2006. She is also a member of the ASA Charitable Foundation's Board of Directors. In addition, Mary works extensively with the Foundation for Anesthesia Education and Research where she serves as Treasurer. She serves on the Executive Committees of the Texas Society of Anesthesiologists and Nueces County Medical Society. She has been an active member of the American Medical Association since 2004 and the Texas Medical Association for 19 years.

Sally Hurt-Deitch ’03 was recently appointed Group Chief Executive Officer of El Paso and Rio Grande Valley as well as CEO of Memorial Campus and Providence Children’s Hospital in El Paso, TX.

Julie Do ’03 was nominated for the Young Healthcare Executive of the Year Award by the Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council in late October 2017. She serves as Vice President of Finance at Methodist Dallas Medical Center.

Malisha Patel ’04 was selected Vice President of Operations for Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital in Houston, TX.

Ryan Tobin ’02, ’04 was promoted to President and Chief Executive Officer at Rose Medical Center. Ryan will assume his new role January 2, 2018. He resides in Denver, CO.

Heidi Pandya ’00, ’05 was selected Vice President of Strategic Planning at Medical City Healthcare in Dallas, TX.  

Brett Emmett ’06 was recently promoted to Assistant Vice President at Hendrick Health System in Abilene, Texas.  

Finny Mathew ’06 was named President of INTEGRIS Bass Baptist Health Center in Enid, OK. He will begin his post on January 2, 2018.  Finny began his health care career at INTEGRIS in 2006 as an Administrative Resident where he was promoted to Director of Operations for INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center in 2009. Most recently, he served as CEO for Crossroads Community Hospital in Mount Vernon, IL.

Peyton Elliott ’07 was appointed Chief Executive Officer of HCA Healthcare Gulf Coast Division-affiliated Park Plaza Hospital in Houston, TX. Peyton’s first day will be December 26.

Fraser Hay ’07 received the Young Healthcare Executive of the Year Award at the Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council’s (DFWHC) 69th Annual Awards Luncheon in late October 2017. According to DFWHC, the Young Healthcare Executive award highlights young professionals who display “impressive abilities of future North Texas leaders.” Nominees must be under the age of 40 and employed by a DFWHC-member hospital. In addition, Fraser was named a Class of 2017 Fellow in the Leadership Program of the THA Foundation. Fraser serves as Vice President of Professional and Support Services at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Plano, TX.

John Phillips ’07 was honored as Education Ambassador of the Year by Mansfield ISD. John serves as President of Methodist Mansfield Medical Center in Mansfield, TX. The award recognizes a member of the community who goes above and beyond to promote Mansfield ISD, actively support district initiatives and consistently demonstrates exemplary performance and dedicated service to Mansfield ISD. The award is designed to motivate, recognize, and reward the people who serve as the district’s ambassadors to parents, students and the community. John helped lead the 2017 Mansfield ISD bond campaign, is actively involved in Mansfield ISD school leadership seminars and serves on the board of directors for the Mansfield ISD Education Foundation and Mansfield Economic Development Corporation to name a few.

Matthew Van Leeuwe ’09 recently started his current position as Executive Director of Hospital Operations at the University of California, Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, CA. Prior, he was COO of Abilene Regional Medical Center in Abilene, TX.

Natalie Wilkins ’09 was named a Class of 2017 Fellow in the Leadership Program of the THA Foundation. In addition, she was nominated for the Young Healthcare Executive of the Year Award by the Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council in late October 2017. She serves as Chief of Staff at Cook Children’s Health Care System in Fort Worth, TX.

Roy Finch ’10 was promoted to Chief Executive Officer at Palestine Regional Medical Center in Ruston, LA.

Sean Kamber ’11 was selected Vice President of Rural Outreach at HCA Gulf Coast Division in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

John Walker ’11 was named COO at Medical City Denton.  Most recently, John served as Associate Administrator at Medical City Dallas and prior to that, he was Associate Administrator at Medical City McKinney. He also has previous experience in commercial real estate.

Keaton Francis ’12 was named Director of Strategy and Business Development at Comanche County Memorial Hospital in Lawton, OK.

Hannah Gelbs ’12 was recently appointed COO at Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital from her existing role as Associate Administrator at West Houston Medical Center. Both facilities are part of the HCA Healthcare's Gulf Coast Division family of hospitals. During her tenure at West Houston Medical Center, Hannah was responsible for operations and executive level leadership of the emergency department, trauma services, radiology services, cardiopulmonary department and breast center.  She was instrumental in increasing efficiencies in the emergency department including a 42-point increase in patient satisfaction.

Dipen Parekh, M.D. ’12, Chair of the Department of Urology and Director of Robotic Surgery, was selected Chief Clinical Officer of the University of Miami Health System in Miami, FL. Dipen is one of the world’s most experienced and innovative surgeons in robotic-assisted urologic oncology and the ideal person to continue the critically important process of building and enhancing our medical practice. He brought the da Vinci Xi robotic surgical system to UHealth, leading teams this month to the spectacular milestone of performing the 5,000th da Vinci procedure at University of Miami Hospital. Among the benefits of these procedures are greater precision, smaller incisions, shorter recovery times and improved patient outcomes. Since joining the Miller School of Medicine in 2012, Dipen, who holds the Victor A. Politano Endowed Chair in Urology and is a member of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, has restructured the clinical, operational and financial management of the Department of Urology, significantly increasing patient access to urology services while enhancing patient satisfaction. Internationally acclaimed research conducted by Dipen is advancing treatment on many fronts and he has shared those advances with surgeons around the world. As Chief Clinical Officer, Dipen will be in charge of all UHealth outpatient and inpatient services and he will work closely with all the chairs and clinical faculty to enhance the clinical enterprise.

Andre Storey ’12 was named as a 2017 Rising Star Award recipient by Oklahoma State University. The award was presented at the 2017 OSU Diversity Hall of Fame on October 12. The OSU Diversity Hall of Fame recognizes alumni and university supporters who have significantly contributed to the advancement of diversity and inclusion at Oklahoma State University and who have distinguished themselves through their particular field or profession and the betterment of their community. The Hall of Fame was established by the Division of Institutional Diversity at OSU. Andre is Regional Vice President of Ancillary Services at CHRISTUS St. Patrick Health System, a subsidiary of CHRISTUS Health. He has overseen hospital operations and joint ventures that support the organization's mission in Lake Charles, LA since 2014. Earlier, he served as the first Director of Population Health Management for CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System in Texas focusing on improving health care access and the overall health of those who are often underserved. Andre founded the Greater Texarkana Young Professionals and is board certified in health care management.

Alyssa Endres ’13 was named Director of Strategic Initiatives at Baylor Scott & White Quality Alliance in Dallas, TX.

Alison Gizinski ’09, ’14 is now a Financial Consultant for Plan Wealth Management in Mexico City.

Tiffany Wetz ’14 is pursuing a leadership development track at Kindred Hospital Spring near Houston, TX.

Brandon Goertz, Ph.D. ’15 was named a Class of 2017 Fellow in the Leadership Program of the THA Foundation. Brandon serves as Director of Operations and Regional Development at CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System in Tyler, TX.

Brandon Maenius ’15 was selected General Manager and Director of Digital Health Office at Baylor Scott and White Health in Dallas, TX.

Thomas Davis ’14, ’16 was promoted Director of Operations at Strivant Health in Dallas. Thomas’ role has a health care focus in Physician Practice RCM (Revenue Cycle Management). Prior, he served as Director of Operations for a small PRCM company based in Dallas, TX. The company served over 20 clients, processing collections of over $45,000,000/year. He now oversees 15+ employees in multiple departments including Credentialing, AR/Follow Up, Payment Posting and Collections. His direct report is fellow HCAD alumnus, Jim Bohnsack ’97, ’99 who serves as President and CEO. True to the strength of HCAD connections, Jim brought Thomas over from Conifer Health Solutions where Thomas served as a Manager for Solution/Product Development for its Hospital RCM arm.

Judith Brown ’17 was named Ambulatory Care Access Supervisor of Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock, AR.

AVISO is written and produced by members of the Health Care Administration Alumni Association in partnership with the Office of Alumni Relations. 

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