Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed fourteen individuals to the Texas Health Services Authority Board of Directors. Their terms will expire on June 15, 2027. The Texas Health Services Authority is tasked with coordinating the implementation of health information exchange across the state.
The appointees are Victoria Bryant, Pharm.D., Shannon Calhoun, Salil Deshpande, M.D., Lacey Fails, Calvin Green, Jeff Hoogheem, Kenneth James, Kourtney Kouns, Jerome Lisk, M.D., Leticia Rodriguez, Jonathan Sandstrom Hill, Cynthia Stinson, Ph.D., Wes Tidwell, and Carlos Vital, M.D.
Victoria Bryant of Houston is the founder of Ambassadors Caregivers and president of the Faith, Hope and Joy Foundation. She is a fellow for the American Leadership Forum and Leadership Houston Class 31. Bryant received a Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Houston.
Shannon Calhoun of Goliad serves as chief revenue officer for IV Ensure. She has held leadership roles at Aledade and Caravan Health and served as CEO of Southeast Texas Health System for over two decades. Calhoun has also volunteered with several community organizations in Goliad County. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy from Texas A&M University.
Salil Deshpande, M.D., based in Houston, is chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Texas. He is affiliated with several professional medical associations and serves on multiple nonprofit boards. Deshpande holds degrees from the University of Southern California, Baylor College of Medicine, and an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania.
Lacey Fails from Hollywood Park has more than 20 years’ experience in healthcare administration. She is active in professional healthcare organizations and previously served on local community boards. Fails earned her undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University Commerce and a master’s degree from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.
Calvin Green of Austin works as deputy executive commissioner for data, analytics, and performance at the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. He holds degrees from Texas A&M University Commerce and the University of North Texas.
Jeffrey Hoogheem from San Marcos directs the Center for Health Emergency Preparedness and Response at the Texas Department of State Health Services. With more than 18 years in public health preparedness—including service as state director since 2017—he coordinates statewide preparedness activities. Hoogheem is a retired US Army Blackhawk helicopter pilot with aeronautics degrees from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and Liberty University.
Kenneth James resides in Volente and serves as Chief Operating Officer at Superior HealthPlan. He participates on various internal committees focused on quality improvement and compliance. James has volunteered locally and holds a bachelor’s degree from Tarleton State University.
Kourtney Kouns from Seymour works as regulatory and quality coordinator at United Regional Health Care System. With over two decades in nursing informatics and critical care nursing roles, she also volunteers with local organizations. Kouns holds nursing degrees from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and the University of Colorado Denver College of Nursing.
Jerome Lisk, M.D., based in Lantana, practices as a movement disorder neurologist at MD Neurology – Denton and leads clinical trials related to Parkinson’s Disease. He participates in several national medical societies and advisory panels. Lisk earned his undergraduate degree at Hampton University and his medical degree at Virginia Commonwealth School of Medicine; he is currently pursuing additional graduate studies at The University of Texas at Dallas.
Leticia Rodriguez leads Ward Memorial Hospital as CEO in Monahans. She serves on various local economic development boards and chambers of commerce. Rodriguez graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management from Lubbock Christian University.
Jonathan Sandstrom Hill resides in Austin where he acts as general counsel for Capital Commercial Investments Inc., serves on Recycle NOW’s board, and belongs to the State Bar of Texas. His education includes Boston College (Honors Program) and Georgetown Law Center.
Cynthia Stinson, Ph.D., located in Lumberton, consults for Health Education Resources while working to educate nursing students through partnerships with colleges and universities. She collaborates with organizations focused on cancer prevention services in Beaumont. Stinson received her education at Lamar University (BSN), UT Medical Branch – Galveston (MSN), and Texas Woman’s University – Houston (PhD).
Wes Tidwell leads Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Centennial as president in Melissa; he sits on several industry-related boards including ACHE fellowship status. Tidwell’s academic background includes degrees from Texas A&M University (BS) as well as MBA/MHA credentials from the University of Houston.
Carlos J. Vital, M.D., based in Friendswood, presides over Vital Allergy & Asthma Center while teaching at TAMU College of Medicine. He participates actively in regional medical societies such as the Houston Academy of Medicine; he trained at Xavier University (BS), Louisiana State (MD), followed by an allergy/immunology fellowship at LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans.
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