AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 10, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Mark A. Wallace, FACHE, president and chief executive officer of Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, has been named the 2005 recipient of the Texas Hospital Association's Earl M. Collier Award for Distinguished Health Care Administration. Established in 1965, the Collier Award is the highest honor bestowed by THA. Wallace will receive the award on Oct. 11, during THA's 2005 Leadership Conference in Austin.
"Mark exemplifies the leadership qualities that this award recognizes," said Richard Bettis, CAE, president/CEO of THA. "Mark is well-respected by his peers, and is an effective advocate for children's health care issues. In addition to his dedication to Texas Children's Hospital, its patients and their families, Mark has been an effective leader in his community and in his profession. THA is pleased to recognize Mark with this prestigious award," Bettis said.
Although health care administration was not a well-known field at the time, Wallace knew at an early age that it would be his chosen calling. He made his decision and never looked back, reaching significant milestones before age 40.
Wallace began his career in 1975 at Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City after receiving his bachelor's degree in health care administration from Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee. A year later, the Oklahoma native left his hometown to study at Washington University in St. Louis, where he earned a master's degree in 1977.
The Methodist Hospital in Houston was Wallace's next destination. Starting out as an administrative resident, Wallace quickly advanced through the ranks to become one of the hospital's vice presidents -- and, at age 30, was promoted once again to senior vice president. In 1989, the 36-year-old Wallace moved next door to Texas Children's Hospital, where he assumed his present position as president and CEO. Under his watch, Texas Children's has become one of the preeminent children's hospitals in the nation, as well as the largest children's hospital in the country, treating more than 2 million children each year.
A proven leader in health care, Wallace was recognized early in his career as one of four "Emerging Leaders in Health Care" and also as "Young Healthcare Executive of the Year." He holds the distinction of being one of the few executives in the country who advanced to Fellowship status in the American College of Healthcare Executives at age 35. Wallace's involvement with ACHE continues today; he currently serves as the 2005 president of the ACHE-Greater Houston Chapter -- his second time to hold that position.
Adding to these accomplishments is Wallace's extensive history with THA and its subsidiaries. A THA member since 1980, Wallace has worked on numerous committees including the Blue Ribbon Committee on Health Care Reform and the Medicaid Ad Hoc Committee; served on several boards such as HOSPAC and HealthShare/THA, of which he was chairman; and has held all of THA's elected offices. During Wallace's tenure as THA chairman in 1998-99, his theme was "taking care of people" through advocacy, focusing efforts on the "people" side of health care.
Wallace continues his advocacy work today, championing the Children's Health Insurance Program and other health care legislation that benefits children. He also has volunteered with the March of Dimes and the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. In addition to his many professional and community activities, Wallace makes time for his family, church -- and an occasional round of golf.
Texas Hospital Association
Founded in 1930, the Texas Hospital Association is the leadership organization and principal advocate for the state's hospitals and health care systems. Based in Austin, THA enhances its members' abilities to improve accessibility, quality and cost-effectiveness of health care for all Texans. One of the largest hospital associations in the country, THA represents more than 85 percent of the state's hospitals and health care systems, which employ some 300,000 health care professionals statewide.
Texas Children's Hospital
Established in 1954 and located in the heart of the Texas Medical Center in Houston, Texas Children's Hospital is the largest pediatric hospital in the nation. The nonprofit hospital is ranked among the top four pediatric hospitals nationwide by both U.S. News and World Report and Child. For more information, visit www.texaschildrenshospital.org.
(Note) Photos Are Available Upon Request