Methodist Healthcare Ministries Announces the Addition of Five New Board Members to its Board of Directors
San Antonio (May 31, 2022) – Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. announced the addition of five new members to its board of directors. New board members will begin their three-year term in June, guiding the nonprofit organization that has been dedicated to improving the well-being of the least served since 1995.
“Serving on this board has been and continues to be one of the most incredible blessings and opportunities of my life,” said Dr. Michael Lane, current Chair of the Board of Directors for Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “We are excited to welcome these outstanding and gifted individuals to our board. They are joining at a critical time and their insights will be instrumental to implementing our strategy which is focused on advancing health equity.”
The five new board members include:
- Michael Bacon, CFRE, a senior-level development and external relations executive for Trinity University in San Antonio, TX.
- Erika Prosper Nirenberg, the senior Director of Customer Insights at H-E-B
- Jacqueline Pugh, MD, Associate Chief of Staff for Research and Development at South Texas Veterans Health Care System and a faculty member at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio Medical School
- Erica T. Sosa, PhD., an Associate Professor in Public Health and the Associate Dean for Research in UTSA’s College for Health Community and Policy
- Pendleton B. Wickersham, MD, a physician and partner in the San Antonio-based Arthritis Associates
Dr. Wickersham is returning to serve on the board of Methodist Healthcare Ministries after previously serving from 2012 to 2021. The other four members are new to the board, but have longstanding relationships with the organization and the scope of work it does across South Texas.
Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ Board plays an important role in setting the direction and goals for the organization to advance a more level playing field for health in 74 counties across Texas. Since 1995, Methodist Healthcare Ministries has provided more than $1.4 billion in health care services through its clinical programs, as well as through partnerships, and is one of the largest private funding sources for community health care to low-income families and the uninsured in South Texas. As 50-50 co-owner of the Methodist Healthcare System, MHM board members play an important oversight role in the governance of the healthcare system ensuring it provides quality care to all regardless of ability to pay. The earnings from the co-ownership of the health system allows Methodist Healthcare Ministries to fund efforts that strengthen communities and families, provide clinical care to the uninsured and the economically disadvantaged, and promotes a more level playing field for healthy living—now and for generations to come.
Board members serve three-year terms and may serve up to three consecutive terms. In addition to serving on the general board, they also serve on one standing committee, such as the Executive Committee, Finance Committee, Governance Committee, Mission Committee and Operations Committee. The board currently has 25 members and can have no more than 27 board members at a given time. The board bylaws also dictate that at least 60 percent of the Regular Directors be members of The United Methodist Church.
“As we continue our efforts to advance health equity throughout the communities we serve, we will be better informed and inspired by the leadership these new board members bring to our organization,” said Jaime Wesolowski, President & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “Their unique talents and the breadth of their expertise will be critical for us in the coming years as we strive to improve the lives of the least served so all have an opportunity to thrive.”
###
About Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.
Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. is a private, faith-based not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating access to health care for the uninsured through direct services, community partnerships and strategic grant-making in 74 counties across South Texas. Guided by its mission of "Serving Humanity to Honor God," Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ vision is to be the leader for improving wellness of the least served. The mission also includes Methodist Healthcare Ministries' one-half ownership of the Methodist Healthcare System, the largest healthcare system in South Texas, which creates a unique avenue to ensure that it continues to be a benefit to the community by providing quality care to all and charitable care when needed. For more information, visit www.mhm.org.