Hendrick CEO receives prestigious award for distinguished health care administration

The Texas Hospital Association (THA) named Tim Lancaster, president and CEO of Hendrick Health, the recipient of the 2017 THA Earl M. Collier Award for Distinguished Health Care Administration for his dedicated efforts to advance healthcare for more than 30 years. Lancaster received the award during a special presentation at the THA 2018 Annual Conference & Expo in Houston.

“Over the course of his more than three-decade career, Tim Lancaster demonstrated his unwavering commitment to patients, providers and the healthcare industry,” said Ted Shaw, THA president/CEO. “His leadership, integrity and dedication to service have brought great distinction to the institutions and communities he has led.” 

The Earl M. Collier Award for Distinguished Health Care Administration 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, who are leaders in providing quality healthcare services, and who are active in THA and other industry groups. 

“I am deeply honored to be recognized by THA,” Lancaster said. “My career has brought me the opportunity to work on behalf of some of the hardest working Texans in healthcare. I am proud of what we have accomplished and to be able to continue to serve our patients and our community.”

Lancaster served as senior vice president of Hendrick in 1994, where he oversaw numerous specialty care departments, recruited new physicians to Abilene and organized a new local chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives. He served as CEO of Brownwood Regional Medical Center before returning in 2004 to the Baptist-affiliated, 525-bed health system. During the past 14 years of his administration at Hendrick, Lancaster led the charge to strategically plan and issue bonds for an $86 million expansion project and helped improve the health system’s bond rating. 

Lancaster is passionate about serving his community and state. He previously served as chair of THA’s Board of Trustees and currently serves as chair of Texas Association of Voluntary Hospitals, as chair of Lt. Governor Dan Patrick’s Healthcare Advisory Committee and as vice-chair of Texas Tech University’s Board of Regents.