Buckmeier, Angie

Angie Buckmeier, MHA, BSN, is the Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Scottish Rite for Children. Scottish Rite for Children is a world-renowned in the treatment of pediatric conditions, such as scoliosis, clubfoot, hand conditions, hip disorders, limb lengthening and reconstruction, sports injuries and fractures, as well as certain related arthritic and neurological disorders and learning disorders, such as dyslexia. Scottish Rite has locations in Dallas and Frisco with 100 licensed beds, ambulatory care clinics, an ambulatory surgery center and therapy services for children in North Texas and beyond. In her executive role at Scottish Rite, Angie is responsible for the overall coordination of nursing care, ancillary support and other clinical functions. She develops the budget for departments involving nursing staff and clinical support staff to prepare the organization for each fiscal year. Additionally, she works with nursing staff, medical staff and other clinical disciplines in the formulation, review and revision of standards policies, procedures and programs for patient care needs. Angie has a pivotal role in overseeing quality assessments and improvements to ensure the highest level of patient care. She began her career at Medical City Dallas Hospital as a bedside nurse in pediatrics. Her path led her to take on various clinical and operational leadership roles at Medical City Healthcare. With three decades of nursing experience, Angie has continuously demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence in patient care, staff development and organizational management. Her experiences have allowed her the ability to navigate complex healthcare landscapes throughout her career. Angie received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and her professional journey led her to pursue advanced education, earning a Master of Healthcare Administration. She is a firm believer of lifelong learning and takes every opportunity to increase her knowledge and skills as a healthcare executive. Angie has been recognized through a variety of accolades and awards throughout her career such as DFW Great 100 Nurses and North Dallas Corridor/ Addison Female Executive. She is excited to embark on the next phase of her professional growth as she begins the THA Leadership Fellows program, where she hopes to further increase her knowledge and understanding of the legislative impact on healthcare, exchange ideas with fellow healthcare leaders and make a meaningful impact on the future of healthcare delivery. Outside of her professional endeavors, Angie enjoys spending time with her husband Marty and her sons, Andrew (29) and Adam (23), and her daughter-in-law Mary. She enjoys vacationing with friends and family at the beach and working in her garden.

Duran, Andres

Andres joined Dimmit Regional Hospital in August 2023 as Chief Executive Officer under the management of Methodist Healthcare Systems. Prior to this role, Andres served in several roles at HCA, including Market Administrator for the Ambulatory Surgery Division, and Vice President of Business Development at both HCA hospitals in the Rio Grande Valley. Andres Duran joined HCA in April 2018 as the Vice President of Business Development for Rio Grande Regional Hospital and Valley Regional Medical Center in the South Texas area. He moved solely to Valley Regional in the same role since 2019. He was accountable for leading the targeted growth initiatives for VRMC including managed care programs, service line development, and new business development. Other responsibilities include collaborating with the Physician Sales Team and leaders in the rural growth and service lines to execute key strategies. He also develops comprehensive recruiting plans for vacancies across all service lines. Prior to HCA, he worked at Quidel Corp., a leading diagnostic healthcare manufacturer, and at Tenet’s Valley Baptist Health System in Brownsville, TX. Andres is a graduate from Trinity University in San Antonio, as well as The University of Texas at Brownsville. Andres is a member of the National Association of Latino Healthcare Executives, and of the American College of Healthcare Executives. Andres was born in Brownsville and has called the Rio Grande Valley home for most of his life. He enjoys spending his spare time with his wife, Patricia, and their two children, Valeria and Andres, along with golfing and cooking. Currently under Dimmit Regional Hospital, a 501 (c) not-for-profit organization and Critical Access Hospital, Andres will serve the Dimmit County and its surrounding neighboring county of Zavala with excellent services and care to all that walk through the doors of Dimmit Regional Hospital. Andres’ leadership oversee all services provided by Dimmit Regional Hospital such as: 24 hr. Emergency Room service, Medical/Surgical services, Labor & Delivery services, Diagnostic Imaging/Radiology, Laboratory, Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Surgical services, Wound Care, Respiratory Care and DRH Rural Health Clinics in both Carrizo Springs and Crystal City. Andres’ career highlights include providing leadership and change management for the hospital, one of the larger employers in the city of Carrizo Springs, TX. His goals include promoting a reputation for quality, innovation and clinical excellence, reporting to the board of directors, shaping the strategic direction, and building a top performing team of professional staff and physicians. Andres has developed a culture of trust, open lines of communication for patients, nurses, and physicians. He has driven physician engagement to the highest level in the last five years and by fostering strong physician relationships and including them in key decisions for improved patient care, including the addition of new service lines such as orthopedics in Carrizo Springs.

Melton, Adam

Adam Melton serves as the Senior Vice President of Physician Operations at Children’s Health. In this role, he is responsible for strengthening ambulatory operations and integrating key clinical teams in a manner that advances the strategic and business objectives of Children’s Health. He collaborates with physician and leaders from UT Southwestern and Children’s Health to improve health care delivery and access for the growing North Texas pediatric population. Since joining Children's Health in 2013, Adam has also provided leadership and oversight for all aspects of physician practice operations and physician employment within Children's Health Medical Group. Prior to joining Children’s Health, Adam held leadership positions at other large medical groups and health care organizations. Adam graduated from Texas A&M University where he received a Bachelor of Science in biomedical science. He also earned a Master of Healthcare Administration from the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health.

Thrash, Amanda

Amanda Thrash, FACHE, has served as president of Texas Health Allen since July 3,2022. In this role, she has primary oversight of daily operations and responsibility for the 88-bed hospital’s annual operating plan. Thrash previously served as vice president of professional and support services at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano, however, her tenure with Texas Health extends much further. She started at Texas Health Dallas as an administrative resident in 2009, moving to Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano in 2010. She became administrator of Texas Health Neighborhood Care & Wellness Prosper in 2016, serving in that role for two years. Over the span of Amanda’s career, she has focused heavily on market strategy, physician relationships and streamlining hospital operations. Most recently, Amanda has been successful in growing EMS traffic, improving perioperative efficiencies and growing the cardiovascular and robotic service lines. Amanda is the 2023 recipient of the Dallas/Fort Worth Hospital Council’s Young Healthcare Executive of the Year and was among the 50 Rising Stars Under 40 from Becker’s Hospital Review.

Flores, Rick

Rick Flores began his career in healthcare as a Medical Laboratory Scientist in 2006. He has held positions in hospital laboratories all across South Texas. He joined Dimmit Regional Hospital as the Laboratory Administrative Director in 2019, he and his team of laboratory scientists brought efficiencies to the laboratory that have improved workflows, and patient safety and satisfaction. Rick Flores is an accomplished professional with a passion for healthcare. With a track record of excellence and a drive for success, Rick has made significant contributions throughout his career. Rick developed an early fascination with laboratory medicine and the disparities of our healthcare system which would shape his future path. He embarked on a journey of lifelong learning, earning a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science, and a Master of Health Science in Healthcare Administration from The University of Texas Rio-Grande Valley. This solid educational foundation laid the groundwork for his professional achievements. Rick's career began in multiple hospital laboratories across South Texas, where he quickly distinguished himself as a team leader and mentor. His exceptional statistics and data analysis skills and his ability to apply data analysis findings to process improvements and strategic growth have led to his advancement within the industry. Throughout his career, Rick has achieved remarkable milestones. Notably, as a lab director he improved significantly improved the financial performance of his laboratory and was awarded a Methodist Center for Leadership and Excellence PILLAR award, his skills in data analysis and statistical forecasting allowed him to secure a promotion to his current role as Director of Compliance and Clinical Informatics, demonstrating his expertise and strategic vision. Rick's leadership and keen understanding of the clinical laboratory and healthcare industry have positioned him as a respected authority in the field. His ability to mediate makes him a great asset either in contract negotiations or in conflict resolution, this has garnered him the respect and admiration of colleagues and peers alike. Beyond his professional endeavors, Rick is dedicated to advocating for Medical Laboratory Scientists and Technicians. He is actively engaged in the Regnum Christi organization, where he strives to positively impact the community by building the kingdom of Christ. In the face of challenges, Rick's resilience and determination have consistently prevailed. He thrives in dynamic environments, embracing change and turning obstacles into opportunities. Rick's ability to use critical thinking and foresight has been instrumental in overcoming hurdles and driving successful outcomes. Inspired by Ulysses S. Grant, Sir Winston Churchill, and Pope Francis, Rick continues to push the boundaries of his field. His future aspirations include obtaining a Master’s degree in Jurisprudence, where he aims to pass legislation that helps improve our current health system. His unwavering commitment to excellence and his relentless pursuit of innovation make him a force to be reckoned with in the healthcare industry. He is a true professional, combining expertise, vision, and a passion for excellence.

Padilla, Maritza

Dedicated healthcare leader in the Rio Grande Valley with 14 years of experience in a rapidly expanding hospital environment. A native-born Latina professional who is well acquainted with the broad spectrum of cultural diversity and the unique circumstances surrounding the provision of healthcare services throughout the Rio Grande Valley. Keen ability for organizational planning and detail orientation. Passionate and driven to continue to improve the well-being of the South Texas community while maintaining a strong commitment for excellence in patient care and quality.

Rogers, Emily

Emily Rogers is the Director of Internal Operations with Eastland Memorial Hospital District. She graduated from Tarleton State University with a Bachelor of Science in Human Sciences with an emphasis on Child and Family Studies. Emily joined Eastland Memorial Hospital as the Executive Assistant in 2018. Her role at Eastland Memorial evolved quickly, and she accepted a promotion to the Director of Internal Operations. As part of the Administration team, she assists with day-to-day operations, problem-solving, and decision-making. She handles Medicare and Medicaid enrollments, the QIPP program, Rural Health Clinics, grant applications and management, communications, community outreach, and marketing. Emily is passionate about ensuring access to and sustaining rural healthcare in Texas.

Brown, Kaycie

Kaycie Brown oversees the clinic services at MidCoast Health System in El Campo, Texas. While at MidCoast she has participated in substantial growth of operations and services in rural areas which include recruitment of specialty physicians. Kaycie is an effective communicator when it comes to administration-physician relationships. She is committed to driving integration and creating an environment that enables the best possible outcomes in patient care.

Washington, Tarra

Tarra started her career as a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Rutgers University, and possesses 18 years’ experience, where she trained in the Trauma and Neuro Intensive Care Units (ICU). During her time in the ICU of Level 1 Trauma hospitals in the NJ and PA areas, she was able to drive programs sparked by her interest in improving patient outcomes, such as Early Mobility in the ICU. Her work with this program was successful, producing research articles from her work in the hospital ICUs, educating incoming medical residents on ICU early mobility and ventilator management, and being designated a Healthcare Hero for her work on a complex trauma patient. Meanwhile, she decided to pursue her MBA in Health Sector Management at Temple University and then completed an internship for the CFO at Temple Health System, a large system in the Philadelphia area After her internship, Tarra was accepted into the Executive Fellowship program at Kindred Healthcare. This is a program that mentors individuals to become a hospital CEO, with very structured training and projects to be completed. Upon graduation, she was promoted to hospital CEO in Morris County, NJ and drove the quality, patient outcomes and employee culture to be ranked #1 nationally for the company, and the hospital remained at #1 during her time. She also completed a Kindred Leadership training program, nominated by her direct supervisor. After almost 4 years as CEO, Tarra made the decision to expand her knowledge and sought after gaining a job in Healthcare in another country. She was able to gain a position in the International division of HCA Healthcare in London, in a business development and operations role. She was quickly promoted to Head of Corporate Healthcare Relationships within HCA Healthcare UK. After a little over 2 years, due to family reasons, Tarra needed to come back to the US and returned to Kindred Healthcare as CEO of Kindred Hospital San Antonio Medical Center. Outside of the hospital, Tarra loves to hike and stay active, she enjoys playing the piano, and spending time with her family. Tarra is anxious to continuously improve and learn from others and hopes to bring a different perspective to the cohort.

Waters, Kenneth

I am a hospital administrator for MidCoast Health System. I am in the process of opening MidCoast Medical Center-Trinity, a full-service hospital and clinic, in Trinity, Texas which is expected to open in March of 2023. I have my BBA from Corpus Christi Texas A&M, and my MHA from Texas A&M in College Station. I like sports and being outdoors.