DFWHC hosts 71st Annual Awards Luncheon

Before a near sold-out audience yesterday at the Irving Convention Center, the DFW Hospital Council (DFWHC) hosted its 71st Annual Awards Luncheon before 700-plus attendees.

Recipients included Andy Stern of Medical City Healthcare and AMN Healthcare with the Distinguished Health Service Award; Kyle Armstrong of Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – McKinney as the Young Healthcare Executive of the Year; and Bob Ferguson of Texas Health Resources as the Kerney Laday, Sr. Trustee of the Year.

John Phillips, chair of DFWHC and president at Methodist Dallas Medical Center, served as Master of Ceremonies. Michael Darrouzet, CEO of the Dallas County Medical Society, provided the invocation while Brian Swift, CEO of the Tarrant County Medical Society, provided the benediction.

Additional honorees included Young Healthcare Executive of the Year nominees Dustin Anthamatten, vice president of operations at Methodist Charlton Medical Center; Carlie Cohen, director of operations, ambulatory services at Children’s Health; Ben Harris, chief operating officer at Medical City Las Colinas; Jason Linscott, chief operating and chief financial officer at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Rockwall; Martin Marshall, II, director of operational logistics at UT Southwestern Medical Center; Michelle Pecenka, RN, BSN, director of nursing at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Allen; and Christopher Rodriguez, director of business and service line development at Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital – Plano.

The event kicked off with the introduction of the chairs of the boards of trustees of all DFWHC-member hospitals, followed by local singer Carrie Barton performing the National Anthem.

Keynote Speakers Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, the former Pulitzer Prize-winning reporters of The Washington Post who exposed the Watergate scandal, discussed the 45th anniversary of their book “All the President’s Men” and how the stormy political climate of their era pertains to modern times. Their discussion was moderated by Bianca Castro, the NBC DFW Channel 5 reporter and anchor. The trio had a timely discussion on the tenure of President Donald Trump, “fake news” and the looming possibility of impeachment proceedings.

DFWHC would like to thank this year’s top Platinum Sponsors Hall Render and CampbellWilson.

DFWHC would also like to thank all sponsors, attendees and trustees for participating and carrying on this tradition to honor quality healthcare in North Texas.