DFWHC hosts 78th Annual Awards Luncheon in Arlington

More than 700 attendees turned out for the DFW Hospital Council’s (DFWHC) 78th Annual Awards Luncheon on Friday, October 16 at the Loews Arlington Convention Center and Hotel. The event served as an opportunity for North Texas hospitals to honor residents and executives who have dedicated their lives to improving healthcare in the community.

Barclay Berdan, former CEO of Texas Health Resources who stepped down last month, was presented the Boone Powell, Sr. Award of Excellence to a standing ovation. Duncan Webb, former board member of Medical City Plano and the Collin County Commissioner for Precinct 4, was presented with the Distinguished Health Service Award, an honor dating back to 1948. DFWHC also presented the 2026 Young Healthcare Executive of the Year award to Graham Torres, Vice President of Operations at Children’s Health; and the Kerney Laday, Sr. Trustee of the Year Award to the Reverend Ralph Emerson of JPS Health Network.

“It was a great day to honor these North Texas healthcare leaders,” said Stephen Love, president/CEO of DFWHC. “It was our privilege to honor Barclay Berdan, Duncan Webb, Graham Torres and the Reverend Ralph Emerson for their extraordinary leadership. They were all fully deserving of this year’s awards.”

Amanda Beard, an American swimmer and seven-time Olympic medalist, served as the keynote speaker. Beard was just 14 years-old the first time she won an Olympic medal, the second youngest recipient in U.S. history. She detailed her career of participating in three different Olympics and her struggles with mental health as a college athlete at the University of Arizona.

The luncheon opened with the introduction of 30-plus Chairs of the North Texas hospitals’ boards of trustees. An electric rendition of the National Anthem was performed by Holly Tucker, a finalist on the NBC TV program “The Voice.”

Young Healthcare Executive of the Year nominees presented awards this year included Brian Lauer of Baylor Scott & White Health; Elizabeth Johnsen of Medical City Healthcare; Emily Dykes of Methodist Health System; Katie Fiedler of Texas Health Resources; and Dr. Samuel McDonald of UT Southwestern.

Juan Fresquez, DFWHC Chair and President of Methodist Mansfield Medical Center, served as Master of Ceremonies. Will Turner, DFWHC Chair-Elect and President of Baylor Scott & White Medical Center Grapevine, provided the Invocation while Rev. Emerson closed the event with the Benediction.

Platinum Sponsors included Hall Render and Forvis Mazars. Accenture, GroupOne Background Screening, Konica Minolta, Oncor and PwC served as Gold Sponsors, with SmithGroup and Merrill Lynch serving as Silver Sponsors. Hospital Platinum Sponsors were Children’s Health, JPS Health Network, Medical City Healthcare and Texas Health. Baylor Scott & White Health and UT Southwestern served as Hospital Gold Sponsors.

You can find photographs taken at the luncheon by photographer Jerry McClure here.