Banda To Lead THA’s New Lobby Team

(AUSTIN, Texas – Jan. 19, 2022)  – The Texas Hospital Association today announced that Jennifer Banda will lead the association’s lobby team as senior vice president of advocacy and public policy, replacing John Hawkins who recently took the helm as THA’s new president and CEO.

A longtime hospital expert and advocate, Banda will lead all THA advocacy efforts, with a focus on hospital and health advocacy and regulatory initiatives at both the state and federal level. Banda joined THA’s advocacy and public policy team in 2003 after significant stints working on health care issues in the Texas legislature, as well as in Washington, D.C.

“It’s an honor to be at an organization that’s at the front of the pack in terms of advocating for health care and patients. I’m proud to represent Texas hospitals and lead a team that works collaboratively on solutions that move us forward,” Banda said. “The world of health care has been turned upside down by the pandemic, and we continue to work round-the-clock to secure resources and support for hospitals and protect patients.”

Banda graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with an undergraduate degree from the Plan II Honors Program, as well as a law degree from the University of Texas School of Law.

THA also has announced that Carrie Kroll has been promoted to Banda’s former position as vice president of advocacy, public policy and political strategy. In addition to her continued advocacy duties, Kroll will also be tasked with managing the operations and strategic direction of HOSPAC. THA’s Cameron Duncan is being promoted from his role as associate general counsel to vice president of advocacy and public policy. THA veteran Sara Gonzalez will take on additional policy and advocacy issues in her current role as vice president of advocacy and public policy.

“Jennifer Banda has been a tireless advocate for our state’s hospitals through her deep knowledge and understanding of the issues facing our health care system,” said John Hawkins. “I’m confident that through her leadership, along with the dedication and expertise of our entire advocacy team, THA will continue to be a thought leader in Texas health care policy.”

About THA

Founded in 1930, the Texas Hospital Association is the leadership organization and principal advocate for the state’s hospitals and health care systems. Based in Austin, THA enhances its members’ abilities to improve accessibility, quality and cost-effectiveness of health care for all Texans. One of the largest hospital associations in the country, THA represents more than 650 of the state’s non-federal general and specialty hospitals and health care systems, which employ some 400,000 health care professionals statewide. Learn more about THA at www.tha.org or follow THA on Twitter at https://twitter.com/texashospitals.