Sponsored by In-Flow Executives, THA’s Newsmakers highlights leaders from THA member hospitals and health systems making headlines in Texas health care. Please join in congratulating our July Newsmakers:
Derek Curtis, DNP, MA, RN, NDA-BC
Ben Taub Hospital
Derek Curtis, DNP, MA, RN, NDA-BC, has been named chief nursing officer at Harris Health System’s Ben Taub Hospital. Dr. Curtis has served as CNO at Harris Health System’s Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital for eight years. Under his leadership, LBJ achieved Pathway to Excellence and ultimately Magnet designation through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. His leadership has contributed to consistently improving patient experience scores, improvements in zero harm and patient safety metrics and staff retention as evidenced by decreased turnover and vacancies. Prior to joining Harris Health, he worked as a nurse executive for Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center Houston where he oversaw 455 staff and 166 inpatient beds. Dr. Curtis’ career in nursing began in the U.S. Army, where he worked for 12 years in various capacities, including stints at the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Korea and Kuwait.
Mark Deno
Medical City McKinney
Mark Deno has been named CEO of Medical City McKinney, part of Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare’s Dallas-based Medical City Healthcare. Deno will succeed Ernest Lynch, who retired in July. Previously, Deno served as CEO of Medical City North Hills in North Richland Hills, Texas. He has also served as COO of the Medical Center of Aurora (Colo.).
Sam Pena, BSN
HCA Houston Healthcare Medical Center
Sam Pena, BSN, has been named COO of HCA Houston Healthcare Medical Center. Pena joined Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare, the medical center’s parent organization, in 2012. Pena’s previous roles include nursing positions at Corpus Christi (Texas) Medical Center, director of patient care services, vice president of cardiovascular services and, most recently, vice president of operations.
Tekhesia Phillips, MSN, RN, NEA-BC
Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital
Tekhesia Phillips, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, has been promoted to chief nursing officer at Harris Health System’s Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital. In her new role, she will continue to lead an exceptional nursing leadership team within the LBJ pavilion on the One Harris Health journey to becoming a high reliability organization. Phillips joined Harris Health two years ago and most recently served as the administrative director of nursing for critical care at Ben Taub Hospital. During her time at Harris Health, she has helped decrease turnover rates and decrease vacancies. She has also played a key role in helping meet zero harm and patient safety goals. Prior to joining Harris Health, Phillips served in progressive leadership roles within HCA Healthcare, including assistant chief nursing officer.
Adam Proctor
Texas Health Hospital Frisco
Texas Health Hospital Frisco, part of Arlington-based Texas Health Resources, has named Adam Proctor entity finance officer (CFO). In his new role, Proctor will run daily financial operations for the hospital, including financial analysis, forecasting, planning and budgeting. Prior to his new role, Proctor served as CFO of Medical City Denton (Texas), part of Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare’s Dallas-based Medical City Healthcare. He also served as division controller for Kansas City, Mo.-based Mid America Division Physician Services.
Emily Rogers
Eastland Memorial Hospital
Emily Rogers has been promoted to COO of Eastland Memorial Hospital. Rogers previously served as director of internal operations for the hospital. Rogers a fellow in THA’s 2023 class of Leadership Fellows and is currently participating in the association’s Emerging Leadership Forum.
Joban Singh
CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Health System
CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Health System has named Joban Singh as its new vice president of strategy and business development. In his new role, Singh will be responsible for developing and implementing strategic initiatives to drive growth and enhance the organization’s overall performance. Singh has 10 years of experience in health care business development and is excited to bring his practices to the CHRISTUS southeast Texas family.
Carson Smith
Methodist Hospital
Carson Smith has been named COO of Methodist Hospital in San Antonio, part of Methodist Healthcare System in San Antonio. Prior to his new role, Smith served as COO for Methodist Hospital Stone Oak in San Antonio. He also previously served as the assistant COO for Medical City Dallas, Medical City Children’s Hospital, Medical City Heart and Medical City Spine Hospital, all located in Dallas.
Harvey Torres
Northwest Texas Healthcare System
Amarillo, Texas-based Northwest Texas Healthcare System, part of King of Prussia, Pa.-based Universal Health Services, has appointed Jesus “Harvey” Javier Torres CFO. Prior to his new role, Torres served as CFO of Doctors Hospital of Laredo, Texas. He also served on the Texas Department of Health Mentorship program and the Texas Association of University and College Auditors.
Do you have a colleague making news in Texas health care? Send us a nomination for THA Newsmakers!
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