From Military Service to Hospital Leadership: Honoring Texas Veterans

This Veterans Day, the Texas Hospital Association is proud to recognize the veterans whose dedication to service continues to make a difference in hospitals and communities across Texas.

From serving on the front lines to leading hospital operations, these veterans bring a unique perspective to healthcare leadership, shaped by experiences that demand resilience, teamwork and an unwavering commitment to others.

As we honor those who have served our nation, THA celebrates four hospital executives who continue to carry the values of military service into their work, strengthening Texas hospitals and the communities that depend on them.

Patricia Darnauer
Executive Vice President and Administrator, Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital, Harris Health System

Patricia Darnauer brings 29 years of military service to her leadership at Harris Health System’s Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital in Houston. A retired U.S. Army Medical Service Corps colonel, Darnauer commanded a combat support hospital in Afghanistan and led the military health system at Fort Hood, Texas. Her military experience shaped a mission-driven approach to leadership focused on accountability, adaptability and patient care. Beyond the hospital, she continues supporting fellow veterans through her involvement with NextOp Vets, a nonprofit helping veterans transition into civilian careers. Read more about Darnauer and how her military service has translated into her career in hospital administration here.

Marcus Jackson
Chief Operating Officer, Medical City Las Colinas

For Marcus Jackson, serving others is a lifelong commitment. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served from 1987 to 1995, Jackson was activated during Operation Desert Storm while pursuing a degree in respiratory therapy. Today, as COO of Medical City Las Colinas, he continues honoring fellow veterans and their shared commitment to service.

Last year, Jackson organized a special Veterans Day visit to the National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington for hospital colleagues who served in the military, celebrating their courage, compassion and dedication to caring for others.

Shane Kernell
Chief Executive Officer, Graham Regional Medical Center

Shane Kernell’s healthcare career began in 1991 as a medic in the U.S. Air Force, laying the foundation for more than three decades of experience in healthcare and hospital administration. Today, as CEO of Graham Regional Medical Center, Kernell draws on his background in military medicine and executive leadership to strengthen patient care and hospital operations in rural Texas. His commitment to service extends beyond the hospital through community involvement and nonprofit leadership, reflecting the values that have guided his career. Kernell is also a graduate of the 2024 class of THA Leadership Fellows.

John Thresher
Chief Operating Officer, Ascension Texas

A decorated U.S. Army and National Guard veteran, John Thresher brings a lifelong commitment to service to his role as chief operating officer of Ascension Texas. A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the U.S. Army Flight School, Thresher earned numerous military honors, including the Bronze Star. With more than two decades of executive experience in healthcare strategy and operations, he continues applying the leadership, teamwork and mission-driven values developed during his military service to supporting care teams and improving patient care across Texas.

This Veterans Day, THA extends its gratitude to veterans across Texas hospitals and health systems whose leadership, dedication and continued service make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of Texans.

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