University Health announced on Friday that George B. Hernández Jr., who has been a pivotal figure as the system’s president and CEO for an impressive 19 years, will be retiring in 2024. This transition marks a significant moment for the organization and the community it serves.
At 71 years old, Hernández has dedicated an astounding 41 years to University Health, which operates as the public hospital district for Bexar County. His tenure is highlighted by unwavering commitment and transformative leadership that has shaped the organization into a recognized healthcare institution, as noted in a recent news release.
James Adams, Chair of the Bexar County Hospital District Board of Managers, praised Hernández as “a transformational leader” who has significantly contributed to the mission of enhancing healthcare quality while ensuring accessibility for all community members. His efforts have been instrumental in elevating University Health’s status on a national level.
Adams further emphasized that Hernández’s proactive approach to “strategic succession planning” ensures that the organization will have a seamless transition during this significant change. The entire board of managers expressed their gratitude for his foresight in preparing the institution for a promising future.
To identify Hernández’s successor, the board will collaborate with an executive search agency, ensuring that the next leader will continue the legacy of excellence established under his guidance.
In a recent move to enhance community support, University Health opted to maximize the homestead exemption for property owners to 20% of a home’s taxable value, effective from 2024. This decision was unanimously approved by Bexar County commissioners, aligning with University Health’s broader goal of optimizing its $3.1 billion operating budget while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
Hernández informed the commissioners that the increased exemption would result in an estimated loss of $54 million in revenue next year. However, he reassured them that the organization could mitigate this impact through strategic partnerships with pharmaceutical companies that offer essential medications at no cost to underserved patients.
Recently, University Health celebrated the opening of its state-of-the-art $573.7 million Women’s & Children’s Hospital on December 5, despite delays caused by flooding. Additionally, the health system recently broke ground on its Vida site, located across from Texas A&M-San Antonio, funded by federal pandemic relief resources from Bexar County.
Hernández, who holds the title of the highest-paid official in Bexar County with an annual salary of $826,000, received a performance incentive of $200,000 in 2022, reflecting his successful leadership and the organization’s growth during his tenure.
University Health currently employs approximately 10,000 individuals and operates two major hospitals: University Hospital and Women’s & Children’s Hospital. Leni Kirkman, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Communications and Corporate Affairs Officer, announced plans to commence construction on Palo Alto Hospital next month, which will be situated on the same property as the Vida public health clinic. Furthermore, plans are in motion to begin construction on University Health Retama, located on Interstate 35 north of Loop 1604, possibly in February.
According to the Lown Institute’s Hospital Social Responsibility Index for 2023, which evaluates hospital performance, value, and equity, University Health ranks 16th out of 258 hospitals in Texas and 107th among 3,637 hospitals nationwide. The organization also received a Leapfrog grade of A in the fall of 2023, highlighting its commitment to quality care and patient safety.
Reflecting on his time at University Health, Hernández expressed gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with his colleagues, the Bexar County Hospital District Board of Managers, and the Bexar County Commissioners Court throughout his extensive career.
Joining University Health in 1983 as an attorney, Hernández quickly advanced through the ranks. He was named Vice President for Legal Services in 1990, promoted to Executive Vice President in 2000, and ultimately became President and CEO in 2005.
Before his tenure at University Health, he spent five years as an assistant city attorney for San Antonio and served seven years as the Chief of the Civil Division at the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Mary’s University in 1974 and his Juris Doctorate from George Washington University School of Law in 1977.
“I am extremely proud of how we have approached our work, all we have accomplished, and how we have grown exponentially to meet the needs of our community,” stated Hernández. He also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of UT Health San Antonio physician and community partners who have collaborated tirelessly to enhance care accessibility and improve community health outcomes.
University Health is a financial supporter of the San Antonio Report. For a complete list of business members, click here.
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