The DFW Hospital Council (DFWHC) announced today former Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams will be the 2023 recipient of its Distinguished Health Service Award, an honor dating back to 1948. The award will be presented during DFWHC’s 75th Annual Awards Luncheon on October 27 at the Irving Convention Center.

Williams, who served as mayor from 2015-2021, was instrumental in creating awareness about COVID-19 as a delegate on the United States Conference of Mayors during an April 29, 2020, meeting in Washington, D.C. In a discussion with House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard E. Neal (D-MA), Williams detailed the fiscal impacts of the pandemic on cities and the challenges leaders faced. As part of a national delegation, he shared his insights and highlighted ways Congress could support recovery efforts.

Under his guidance in 2018, Arlington became a smoke-free city prohibiting indoor smoking at bars, billiard halls, bowling centers and private workplaces. Williams is president of Arlington-based Graham Associates, Inc., an award-winning engineering firm. He has worked on numerous Arlington projects including AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Park, River Legacy Living Science Center and the Richard Greene Linear Park.

“Mayor Williams has been a great friend of North Texas healthcare throughout his career,” said Stephen Love, president/CEO of DFWHC. “He has held leadership roles in a variety of community organizations including the Chamber of Commerce, YMCA, Salvation Army and Mission Arlington. His work as a delegate was crucial in allowing our communities to adapt to the difficulties of the pandemic. We are looking forward to honoring him.”

The Young Healthcare Executive of the Year and the Kerney Laday, Sr. Trustee of the Year awards will also be presented during the luncheon, with recipients to be announced in August. Sponsored in part by Hall Render and FORVIS, 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.

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