On February 18, 494 employees and staff were honored at the 32nd Annual Employee Recognition Celebration, including our very own, Mark Wallace, who celebrated 30 years of leadership as President and CEO of Texas Children’s Hospital.
Veteran employees poured into the Bayou City Event Center just before noon, to celebrate the core of Texas Children’s past, present and future. The event recognized our tenured honorees and award recipients for their continued commitment to the mission of Texas Children’s.
“You are the heart and soul of Texas Children’s,” said Human Resources Senior Vice President Linda Aldred. “We love hosting this event each year to recognize your commitment, your dedicated years of service, and your passion for the people that we serve, and we are here to express our gratitude.”
The ballroom was filled with lavish Disney-inspired decorations signifying Texas Children’s partnership with the Walt Disney Co., and a delectable three-course meal was served. Entertainment included music from Walt Disney’s animated classics and a photo booth for guests to take pictures and mix and mingle.
Texas Children’s Board of Trustees member Willie Alexander and Obstetrics and Gynecologist-in-Chief Dr. Michael A. Belfort delivered inspiring speeches and congratulated each employee for their 15 to 45 years of service. In addition to tenured honorees, the ceremony recognized recipients of the Best of the West, Shining Star, Caught You Caring, Mark A. Wallace Catalyst Leadership, Employee of the Quarter and Super Star awards.
“You embrace the bold vision that Mr. Wallace laid out at Texas Children’s many years ago, and you’ve worked tirelessly ever since to make it happen,” Alexander said. “Regardless of your role, every member of this team is important, and every contribution, big or small, has been and always will be integral to our success.”
Lisa Moos, one of 12 honored for their 40-year milestone anniversary with Texas Children’s, said the organization and her job in Pathology have been a huge part of her life. Throughout her tenure, Moos says she is grateful for the people she works with and the incredible support system at Texas Children’s.
“My 40 years have been amazing, and I plan to stay here for another five years,” Moos said. “It’s so exciting to be part of this celebration and to reconnect with colleagues from across the organization.”
The annual Employee Recognition Celebration was a day to celebrate accomplishments and honor those who have carried out the values and the mission of Texas Children’s to ensure the health care needs of our patients and their families are met. This event was extra special this year as the organization celebrated Mark Wallace’s 30th year at the helm of Texas Children’s Hospital. Wallace joined Texas Children’s on October 4, 1989, becoming the longest serving CEO in the Texas Medical Center.
“This is a special day for all of us and it’s a really special day for me too,” Wallace said. “A lot of feelings are going through my head, my heart and my soul right now as we celebrate 15, 20, 25 years, 30, 35, 40 and 45 years. Our unfolding story of Texas Children’s that you have built, created and sustained, it’s just amazing. This is a special day for everyone here, and I’m so glad that I get to share in it with you today.”
Seven executive leaders were also among the honorees recognized this year:
Jackie Ward, Vice President, 25 Years of Service
Michelle Riley-Brown, Executive Vice President, 20 Years of Service
Sarah Maytum, Vice President, 20 Years of Service
Diane Scardino, Vice President, 20 Years of Service
Mark Mullarkey, Executive Vice President, 15 Years of Service
Bert Gumeringer, Senior Vice President, 15 Years of Service
Amber Tabora, Senior Vice President, 15 Years of Service
Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees!