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.

Wilson, Melissa

Melissa Wilson is the COO of Dimmit Regional Hospital in Carrizo Springs, Texas, a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital, and has over 22 years’ experience in healthcare leadership overall. Before entering the rural market, most of Melissa’s experience comes from her 20 years of service in the United States Air Force, of which other C-Suite positions served in are COO, CFO, and CIO, which provides a generalist view and understanding of the many challenges hospital leaders face today. Melissa has a Master of Science Degree in Business Organizational Management, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology, and is currently a Ph.D. student in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. Melissa is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Ford, Christopher

Chris Ford began his career at Hendrick Health in 2008. During this time he launched and managed support service departments and successfully led performance improvement initiatives as a LEAN Six Sigma Green Belt. In his most recent role as System Assistant Vice President, Chris oversees various clinical and support service lines including Outpatient Dialysis, Correctional Health Nursing, Clinical Engineering, Food & Nutrition and Environmental Services. Chris received a Master of Science in Clinical Practice Management in 2013 from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare executives. In addition to his professional work, Chris is actively involved in the local community and currently serves on the Executive Board of Directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters, West Central Texas.

Smith, Hatch

Hatch Cummings Smith, Jr is a 6th generation rancher in Central and West Texas and spent much of his time working at his family’s cattle auction growing up in Llano, Texas. He has a BS in Animal Science from Cornell University and an MBA from Southern Methodist University. After graduating from Cornell, he spent time in Argentina learning Spanish and traveling after which he spent about 10 years in financial services in New York, Boston and Dallas with JPMorgan and Commerce Street Capital. He started RedSmith Graphic Solutions in San Antonio (the result of an acquisition and diversification strategy in the printing and experiential marketing space) and RedSmith Genetics Corp in Llano, Texas, which focuses on progressive reproductive techniques to advance cattle operations…focusing on Brahman Cattle. In 2020, while working in the cattle business, Hatch help save the Llano Hospital from closing and is subsequently the CEO/Administrator for MidCoast Central. In less than two years, MidCoast Medical Center – Central has gone from a sleepy ER to a fully functioning Critical Access Hospital, serving Llano, Mason and San Saba Counties. Hatch serves on the board of Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area, Governor’s Broadband Development Council (Sub Committee Chairman for Healthcare), Youth Committee Co-Chair for Brahman Breeders of America, board member of Llano Economic Development Council and the Llano Hospital Foundation. Hatch’s wife is Sarabeth, Daughter Marykate (6) son Hatch III (3).

Denson, Natalie

Natalie Denson is a leader in the nursing field and currently serves as Vice President of Nursing at Children’s Medical Center Dallas. She has been a Registered Nurse for more than 14 years and has spent the last seven years in various nursing leadership roles. Natalie is a certified nurse executive with an MSN in Nursing Administration from University of Texas Arlington, and a BSN from Texas Woman’s University. Natalie has presented at the American Pediatric Surgical Nurses Association and DFW Hospital Council Patient Safety Summit and honored as the recipient of DFW Great 100 Nurses and D Magazine’s Excellence in Nursing awards. Currently, Natalie oversees seven inpatient units, the float pool team, respiratory department, house supervisors, and the staffing office. In addition, she has responsibility for alternate care sites for capacity management, including the special isolation unit used during COVID-19, and most recently, an observation unit within the Emergency Department. As a Director, Natalie used her experience in development of a staffing office and reduction in premium pay by 70% for areas of oversight. Natalie also used her knowledge in process improvement by partnering on the development and implementation of an event prevention committee. Through this committee and implementation of a controlled patient transfer process, 91% of 565 patient events were identified early and escalated as non-emergent transfers.