The Legends Award is a special award of merit given to those leaders who went above and beyond the call of duty for hospitals, patients and the health care industry throughout their careers. Honorees are retired hospital or health care system CEOs who served in Texas and have made significant contributions to THA and to the health care industry.
Eligibility and Nomination Information
Nominees must be former hospital or health care system CEOs who served in Texas and have been retired from the position of CEO of a hospital or health system for at least five years. In addition, they must have made significant contributions to THA and be a respected leader in the health care industry in the state of Texas.
Selection Criteria
Nominees must demonstrate outstanding achievements and leadership within the health care industry. Nominees will be recognized for their collective body of work throughout their careers.
Nominations may be supported by letters; press releases; financial information; information about patient outcomes, programs and services; and any other information that validates the candidate’s leadership achievements (maximum 15 pages).
Selection Process
The Earl M. Collier Award Selection Committee will select the recipient of the Legends Award. The selection committee is composed of the THA chairman and appointed past recipients of the Collier Award.
Presentation and Recognition
The honoree will be featured in THA publications and recognized at the board dinner held in conjunction with the THA Annual Conference.
How to Apply
- Complete the nomination form by 5 p.m., Monday, March 31, 2025.
- Please include the following as you complete the online registration form:
a. One-page executive summary/ of the nominee’s professional achievements and contributions to the health care industry.
b. Attach up to 15 pages of supporting documents, including a one-page summary of the nominee’s professional achievements and contributions to the health care industry.
c. Photo/headshot - Total document should not exceed 15 pages. Be sure all materials are completed and SUBMITTED by the posted deadline.
Questions?
Contact Sharon Beasley at [email protected] or 512/465-1030.
Legends Award Winners
Elmer G. Ellis
2023 Award Winner
The Texas Hospital Association has named Elmer G. Ellis, former president/CEO of East Texas Medical Center Regional Healthcare System, as the recipient of the 2023 Legends Award for his dedication and contributions to the health care industry throughout his career.
Doug Hawthorne, LFACHE
2021 Award Winner
The Texas Hospital Association has named Douglas D. Hawthorne, LFACHE, former CEO of Texas Health Resources in Dallas, as the recipient of the 2021 Legends Award for his dedication and contributions to the health care industry throughout his career.
Michael C. Waters, LFACHE
2017 Award Winner
Michael Waters, LFACHE, former president/CEO of Hendrick Health System in Abilene, was the recipient of the 2017 Texas Hospital Association’s Legends Award. THA’s Legends Award is an honor bestowed on health care greats who had an extraordinary impact on Texas hospitals, patients and the health care industry throughout their career.
Larry Mathis
2016 Award Winner
Hospital System in Houston, is no stranger to success or being recognized for his many accomplishments. The Texas Hospital Association honored him in 1991 with its Earl M. Collier Award for Distinguished Health Care Administration. Mathis was THA’s choice for its firstever Legends Award, an honor bestowed on health care greats who had an extraordinary impact on Texas hospitals, patients and the health care industry throughout their career.
History
In 2016, the THA Board of Trustees identified a need to recognize retired health care leaders for their years of dedication and outstanding service to the health care industry. The board established the Legends Award to meet this need.