The Board of Directors of the Greater San Antonio Hospital Council has formally re-aligned its strategic vision to focus on the critical healthcare workforce issues facing the San Antonio region.  In doing so, the Board authorized the Hospital Council’s assets be transferred to the Greater San Antonio Healthcare Foundation, a 501(c)(3) philanthropic organization established in 1996 to serve the interests of the Council’s members.  This will enable the Healthcare Foundation to build on its programs currently underway, including a recent grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation specifically addressing the area’s nursing shortage.  The Healthcare Foundation was only one of ten organizations nationwide recently approved by the Robert Wood Foundation in partnership with the Northwest Health Foundation.

“This transition of resources from the 125 member Hospital Council to the Healthcare Foundation marks a very positive evolution for the region’s hospitals,” noted Mark Bernard, Board Chair.  Historically the Hospital Council has brought together the region’s hospital communities to address a wide array of issues common to its members.  “It’s part of the maturing process of a vibrant organization to apply its assets where they can be best utilized and positioned for future growth”, added Bernard.

Concurrently the Board of the Healthcare Foundation announced the appointment of Harry Smith , FACHE, as Executive Director of the Foundation.  Smith has served our region’s healthcare industry for over 30 years and is well known for his knowledge and successful experience in the local hospital and healthcare field.  Among his recognitions are the Senior Level Healthcare Executive of the Year, the Regent’s Award from the American College of Healthcare Executives.