Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed fourteen members to the Texas Health Services Authority Board of Directors. The terms for these appointees will run until June 15, 2027. The board oversees efforts to coordinate health information exchange across Texas.
The appointees are Victoria Bryant, Pharm.D., Shannon Calhoun, Salil Deshpande, M.D., Lacey Fails, Calvin Green, Jeff Hoogheem, Kenneth James, Kourtney Kouns, Jerome Lisk, M.D., Leticia Rodriguez, Jonathan Sandstrom Hill, Cynthia Stinson, Ph.D., Wes Tidwell, and Carlos Vital, M.D.
Victoria Bryant is based in Houston and leads Ambassadors Caregivers as well as the Faith, Hope and Joy Foundation. She is affiliated with the American Leadership Forum and Leadership Houston Class 31. Bryant holds a Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Houston.
Shannon Calhoun from Goliad is chief revenue officer at IV Ensure and has held leadership roles at Aledade and Caravan Health. Her previous experience includes serving as CEO of Southeast Texas Health System for over two decades. Calhoun has also contributed to several local organizations in Goliad County. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy from Texas A&M University.
Salil Deshpande serves as chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Texas in Houston. He is involved with multiple professional associations including the American Medical Association and Texas Medical Association. Deshpande holds degrees from the University of Southern California, Baylor College of Medicine, and an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania.
Lacey Fails works in healthcare administration in Hollywood Park with more than twenty years’ experience. She belongs to several professional groups such as the American College of Healthcare Executives. Fails holds degrees from TAMU Commerce and a master’s degree from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.
Calvin Green is deputy executive commissioner at the Texas Health and Human Services Commission in Austin. He received his undergraduate degree from TAMU Commerce and a master’s degree from the University of North Texas.
Jeffrey Hoogheem directs the Center for Health Emergency Preparedness and Response at the Texas Department of State Health Services in San Marcos. With over eighteen years’ experience in public health preparedness—including time as state director—he also served twenty-one years with the US Army.
Kenneth James is chief operating officer at Superior HealthPlan in Volente and participates on various internal committees focused on performance improvement and quality measures. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Tarleton State University.
Kourtney Kouns works as regulatory and quality coordinator for application services at United Regional Health Care System in Seymour. Her background spans critical care nursing to informatics coordination; she holds numerous certifications including Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification. Kouns graduated from TTU Health Sciences Center with a nursing degree and earned her master’s from University of Colorado Denver College of Nursing.
Jerome Lisk practices neurology specializing in movement disorders at MD Neurology – Denton in Lantana while also conducting clinical trials related to Parkinson’s Disease since 2008. He is involved with multiple national organizations such as Rotary International and serves on advisory panels for various healthcare initiatives.
Leticia Rodriguez leads Ward Memorial Hospital as CEO in Monahans while participating actively on local boards like Monahans Chamber of Commerce and Permian Basin Area Health Education Center Advisory Board.
Jonathan Sandstrom Hill acts as general counsel for Capital Commercial Investments Inc., based out of Austin; he serves on Recycle NOW’s board too.
Cynthia Stinson consults through Health Education Resources out of Lumberton where she also provides education services related to oncology prevention through partnerships with colleges/universities and community programs like Gift of Life Beaumont.
Wes Tidwell presides over Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Centennial located in Melissa; he maintains involvement with ACHE (American College of Healthcare Executives) among other professional bodies within hospital administration circles.
Carlos J. Vital operates Vital Allergy & Asthma Center as president/CEO while teaching part-time at TAMU College of Medicine; he sits on boards including Houston Academy of Medicine.
