(AUSTIN, Texas – Oct. 10, 2024) – The Texas Hospital Association announced today new key leadership ahead of the 89th Texas Legislative session.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Carrie Williams
Chief Communications Officer
512/465-1052 | [email protected]
Carrie Kroll will lead the organization’s lobby shop as senior vice president of advocacy and public policy. Kroll replaces Jennifer Banda who has accepted a position as the new executive director for the Center for Women in Law at the University of Texas School of Law. Kroll, a seasoned lobbyist, has been with THA for 12 years, navigating tough legislative sessions, untangling hot-button issues and leading the industry’s response to COVID-19.
Carrie Kroll (center), Sara González and Ben Williams will lead THA’s advocacy efforts in the 89th Texas Legislative Session
“Carrie is a natural, passionate leader in the world of health care. She has deep knowledge on countless issues and is skilled at building consensus and getting things done,” said THA President/CEO John Hawkins. “I’m proud and confident to have Carrie at the helm of this critical position as we embark on the 89th legislative session.”
THA’s Amy Eskew will be promoted to chief operating officer, following the retirement of Mitzi Ressmann in January 2025. Eskew currently serves as president and chief executive officer of Texas Healthcare Trustees and vice president of strategic program management for the Texas Hospital Association Foundation.
“Amy’s strategic vision and focus on the future will keep us at the forefront of change,” Hawkins said. “Her leadership and energy is already a huge asset for us, and I’m proud to have her join our senior leadership team.”
Rounding out the association’s lobby team, THA’s longtime lobbyist Sara González is being promoted to vice president of advocacy, public policy and political strategy. As part of this role expansion, González will oversee THA’s political action committee HOSPAC and will continue to lead on several key policy issues.
THA has also hired Ben Williams as vice president of advocacy and public policy. He joins THA’s lobby team with more than 10 years of capitol experience and extensive knowledge of the legislative, budget and policy process. Williams served in various leadership positions for several key members of the Texas House of Representatives, most recently as chief of staff for Rep. Ed Thompson.
“I’m excited and confident about what’s on the horizon,” said Hawkins. “I know we’ve laid an incredible foundation for success as we prepare for the new year.”
About Texas Hospital Association
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 85% of the state’s acute-care 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.
Media Contact:
Carrie Williams
Chief Communications Officer
Texas Hospital Association
512/465-1052
[email protected]