Former HFMA National Chair Phyllis Cowling receives healthcare administration award

The Texas Hospital Association (THA) recently named Phyllis Cowling, FHFMA, CPA, MBA, as the recipient of the 2020 Earl M. Collier Award for Distinguished Health Care Administration. Cowling is president and CEO of United Regional Health Care System in Wichita Falls, Texas.

The award, presented at THA’s 2021 Annual Conference and Expo, which was held virtually March 9-12, is the highest honor bestowed by THA. It recognizes outstanding executives who have distinguished themselves through their contributions to the healthcare industry and their profession. Recipients also are leaders in providing high-quality healthcare services and are active in THA and other industry groups.

In its announcement regarding the award, THA noted that Cowling’s accomplishments reach far beyond hospital walls and that she emphasizes community health, ensuring that those in her area can get high-quality healthcare without traveling to a big city.

“I’ve had the honor of knowing and working with Phyllis for the last few decades,” said Ted Shaw, president and CEO of THA. He noted Cowling is a dedicated, hard worker who exemplifies excellence in healthcare as well as a fervent advocate for access to quality care.  

“I cannot think of someone more deserving of this year’s Collier Award,” said Shaw.

Cowling, a member and fellow of HFMA, served as the Association’s 2002-03 National Chair.

Holder accepts new position with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Sophia Holder, CPA, recently joined Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia as executive vice president and CFO. Holder, a member of HFMA’s Metropolitan Philadelphia Chapter, brings more than 20 years of healthcare industry experience to the position. Most recently, she served as vice president of finance at Boston Children’s Hospital.

Bertrand is new CFO at Gifford Health Care

Jennifer Bertrand, MBA

Jennifer Bertrand, MBA, is the new CFO at Gifford Health Care in Randolph, Vermont. She previously served as CFO at Porter Medical Center in Middlebury, Vermont. Bertrand is a member of HFMA’s New Hampshire-Vermont Chapter. She says Gifford’s commitment to both patients and the community is what drew her to the new role. 

Doctors Hospital of Manteca taps Garrison as CFO

Gregg Garrison, MBA, is the new CFO at Doctors Hospital of Manteca in Manteca, California. Prior to the new appointment, Garrison was CFO at Emanuel Medical Center in Turlock, California, a sister hospital of Doctors Hospital of Manteca. He will now serve as CFO over both hospitals. Garrison is a member of HFMA and the Texas Gulf Coast Chapter.

Bernal named Methodist Healthcare CFO

Enrique Bernal is joining the leadership team at Methodist Healthcare in San Antonio, Texas, as its new CFO. Bernal brings 16 years of CFO experience to the new position, including most recently at San Antonio’s Methodist Hospital and Methodist Children’s Hospital. He is a member of HFMA’s South Texas Chapter.   

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