AUSTIN (July 25, 2008) – The Texas Healthcare Trustees Foundation recently recognized select Texas hospital trustees for excellence in governance or continuing excellence in governance, as part of its Texas Academy of Governance initiative.

Barry Blackman, a member of the board at Methodist Healthcare of San Antonio, received his award of excellence at the Texas Healthcare Trustees Annual Conference, July 24-26 in San Antonio. The award recognizes individuals serving on hospital/health system boards who achieve knowledge and skills in governance and strive to keep that knowledge current through education and the practice of effective governance.

“Hospitals and health care systems rely on their trustees and governing boards to make decisions that affect their future,” said Peggy Allison, president of the board of directors for the THT Foundation. “Recognition from the Texas Academy of Governance indicates a commitment to practicing the most important aspects of trusteeship – community stewardship, leadership, dedication to effective governance, collaboration, vision, commitment and service,” she said.

“Recognition for achieving Texas Academy of Governance standards assures those whose health and livelihood depend on the existence of a thriving health care institution that the governing board members are well prepared for their roles,” noted Stacy Cantu, CAE, chief executive officer of the Texas Healthcare Trustees Foundation. “It indicates that a trustee not only is concerned with the quality of health care being delivered, but also demonstrates accountability in governance responsibilities.”

The Texas Academy of Governance is a statewide initiative of the THT Foundation to encourage, recognize and reward best standards of hospital governance. To be considered for trustee recognition, applicants must demonstrate commitment to standards set by the Texas Academy of Governance. Those standards include a commitment to the hospital and the community; meeting fiduciary duties and governance obligations; a commitment to governance; educational development; exemplifying ethical leadership; and continually improving and assessing performance.

About the Texas Healthcare Trustees Texas Healthcare Trustees is an affiliated organization of the Austin-based Texas Hospital Association. THT members serve on the governing boards of hospitals and health systems. THT has approximately 450 hospital/health system governing boards representing nearly than 4,000 trustees. For more information about THT, visit www.tht.org.