San Antonio (July 9, 2024) – Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) announced the addition of three new members to its board of directors who guide the nonprofit organization that has been dedicated to improving the well-being of the least served since 1995. New board members began their three-year term on June 26.    

“I am honored to serve on this board with an incredible group of caring servants, equally committed to helping this organization advance health equity so that more people throughout the 74 counties we serve can reach their fullest potential for health and life,” said Michael Porter, newly elected Chair of the Board of Directors for Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “I am excited to welcome these outstanding and gifted individuals to our board and look forward to seeing the impact they will surely impart on this organization as it heads into its 30^th year of ‘Serving Humanity to Honor God.’”  

The three new board members include:  

• Erica Benites Giese – Attorney at Jackson Walker  
• Rev. Greg Hackett – Retired pastor with the Rio Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church 
• Rev. Candice Parry – Pastor at the First United Methodist Church of Carrizo Springs 

Rev. Hackett is returning to serve on the board of MHM after previously serving from 2017 to 2023. The other two members are new to the board and organization.  

MHM Board Members play a vital role in setting the direction and guiding the organization to advance a more level playing field for health in 74 counties across Texas. Since 1995, Methodist Healthcare Ministries has provided more than $1.67 billion in health care services through its clinical programs, as well as through partnerships, and is one of the largest private funding sources for community health care to low-income families and the uninsured in South Texas. As 50-50 co-owner of Methodist Healthcare, MHM board members play an important oversight role in the governance of the healthcare system ensuring it provides quality care to all regardless of ability to pay. The earnings from the co-ownership of the health system allows Methodist Healthcare Ministries to fund efforts that strengthen communities and families, provide clinical care to the uninsured and the economically disadvantaged, and promote a more level playing field for healthy living—now and for generations to come.  

Board members serve three-year terms and may serve up to three consecutive terms. In addition to serving on the general board, they also serve on one standing committee, such as the Executive Committee, Finance Committee, Governance Committee, Mission Committee, Investment Committee and Operations Committee. The board currently has 26 regular board directors and can have no more than 27 regular board directors at a given time. The board bylaws also dictate that at least 60 percent of the Regular Directors be members of The United Methodist Church.  

“Methodist Healthcare Ministries is broadening the definition of health care as we continue our efforts to advance health equity throughout the communities we serve,” said Jaime Wesolowski, President & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “These new board members will bless us with the leadership and the unique talents they will impart in the coming years, as we strive to improve the lives of the least served so all have an opportunity to thrive.”  

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About Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.  

Methodist Healthcare Ministries broadens the definition of health care by providing low-cost clinical care for the uninsured and by supporting community-led efforts that improve living conditions that cause people to be sick in the first place. We use our earnings as co-owners of Methodist Healthcare to ensure that people who are economically disadvantaged and uninsured can live their healthiest lives. We do this by advocating for, investing in and providing access to quality clinical care and addressing factors that affect health—including economic mobility, supportive relationships, food security, broadband access, and safe neighborhoods. Ultimately, we fulfill our mission of “Serving Humanity to Honor God” by advancing health equity so that more resilient individuals & families living in the 74 counties we serve can thrive.