IRVING, TX – The DFW Hospital Council (DFWHC) announced today that Amanda Beard will serve as the keynote speaker during DFWHC’s 78th Annual Awards Luncheon on October 16 at the Loews Arlington Hotel and Convention Center.

An American swimmer and a seven-time Olympic medalist, Beard was just 14 years-old the first time she made an Olympic appearance. She was often photographed clutching her teddy bear, even on the medal stand, where Beard had the distinction of being the second-youngest American Olympic medalist in history.

Over the course of the next 12 years she would be the recipient of eight USA Swimming National Titles, hold the FINA World Record and World Champion title for the 200-meter breaststroke, make three more appearances in the Olympic Games and serve as the USA Olympic Swim Team Captain twice.

After achieving an athletic scholarship to the University of Arizona, Beard began to struggle with body dysmorphic disorder. Stress from wearing a swimsuit in front of others as well as seeing the photo-shopping process of her ads caused Beard to desire having a body which matched that in her photos. She released “In the Water They Can’t See You Cry: A Memoir” in 2012. The book cites her parents’ divorce at the age of 12 as the beginning of her personal struggles, as well as her perfectionist nature. In the autobiography, Beard chronicles her struggles with self-mutilation, depression and drug use.

Beard is also a former model, having graced the pages of countless sports and lifestyle magazines with appearances in FHM and the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition. Today, Beard shares her story of professional and personal triumph via motivational speaking engagements. Her most recent endeavor is as co-founder of Beard Swim Co., a learn-to-swim program with a philosophy that the ability to swim is one of the greatest gifts for a child. Keeping kids water safe is a mission that has become even closer to Amanda’s heart since having children of her own. She is married to photographer Sacha Brown, with whom she has a son Blaise and a daughter Doone.

“Amanda Beard has been an American hero for most of her life,” said Stephen Love, president/CEO of DFWHC. “In addition to her extraordinary athletic career, her personal triumphs are equally inspiring. We are looking forward to her presentation.”

During the luncheon, DFWHC will present the Distinguished Health Service Award to Duncan Webb, the Collin County Commissioner and former Board Chair at Medical City Plano. An additional highlight will be the presentation of the Boone Powell, Sr. Award of Excellence to Barclay Berdan, the long-time CEO of Texas Health Resources. As announced earlier this year, Berdan will step down in September as one of the longest-serving CEOs of a major health system in North Texas. Additional awards will include the Young Healthcare Executive of the Year and the Kerney Laday, Sr. Trustee of the Year.

Sponsored in part by Hall Render, Forvis Mazars and PwC, the event will begin with a reception at 11:00 a.m. followed by the luncheon and awards from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m.

Executive and Hospital sponsorships are now available and can be found at https://dfwhc.org/event/dfwhcs-78th-annual-awards-luncheon.

For information, please contact Chris Wilson at chrisw@dfwhc.org.

DFWHC is a 90 hospital and 90 associate member trade organization with more than 55 years of service to North Texas healthcare. Governed by a Board of Trustees made up of hospital executive officers, the hospital trade association is committed to the continuous improvement of patient care.

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IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 13, 2026

CONTACT:
Chris Wilson, DFWHC
chrisw@dfwhc.org
972.719.4900