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.
The Legends Award is a special award of merit given to leaders who have gone 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 have served in Texas and have made significant contributions to THA and to the health care industry.
Mr. Hawthorne retired from Texas Health Resources as the founding CEO emeritus at the end of 2019, after 50 years of service with the organization. Under Mr. Hawthorne’s leadership, Texas Health and its member organizations received numerous awards and national recognitions, including for its commitment to diversity and inclusion and outstanding community service.
A devout leader and philanthropist, Mr. Hawthorne has served in an advisory role to numerous organizations both locally and nationally, including serving as chair of the Health Leadership Council Executive Task Force on the Uninsured, Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council, the Texas Hospital Association and of Premier, an alliance of nonprofit hospitals and healthcare systems. Mr. Hawthorne and his wife Martha have also helped establish and fund a primary health clinic in Tanzania.
Throughout his career, Mr. Hawthorne remained steadfast in his mission to improve the health of the people in his communities. His unique vision and dedication to serving others has left a monumental impact on Texas Health Resources and his contributions to health care are invaluable.