[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 117 (Tuesday, September 17, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1584]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING DAN WILFORD

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN BENTSEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 17, 2002

  Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Dan S. 
Wilford on the occasion of his retirement as president of Memorial 
Hermann Healthcare System, based in Houston, Texas. For the past 18 
years, Mr. Wilford has served as Chief Executive Officer of Memorial 
Hermann, with 11 hospitals in the greater Houston area, an outpatient 
center, two nursing homes, a wellness center, a retirement community 
and a network of affiliates throughout southeast Texas. Under his 
leadership, Memorial Hermann has become the largest non-profit health 
care system in Texas and among the largest in the country.
  As a member of University of Mississippi's class of 1962, Mr. Wilford 
was inducted into the University's Alumni Hall of Fame in 1995. He 
earned his Master's Degree in Hospital Administration at Washington 
University in St. Louis in 1966 and completed his residency in hospital 
administration at Hillcrest Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Prior to 
his arrival at Memorial Hermann, Mr. Wilford served in various 
administrative capacities for 20 years. He was associated with 
Hillcrest Medical Center in Tulsa for 10 years in addition to serving 
as president of North Mississippi Health Services in Tupelo, 
Mississippi from 1974 to 1984.
  Mr. Wilford has proudly served on the board of directors of many 
professional organizations. He is active in Voluntary Hospitals of 
America, Texas Hospital Association, American Hospital Association, 
Hospital Research and Development Institute, American College of 
Healthcare Executives, Greater Houston Partnership, Houston Area and 
Fort Bend County Chambers of Commerce, United Way of the Texas Gulf 
Coast and First United Methodist Church of Sugar Land, Texas. Through 
his commitment to these organizations, Mr. Wilford has set himself 
apart as a leader and activist in the health care community.
  His dedication to the health care profession has lead many acclaimed 
institutions to recognize Mr. Wilford's achievements. In 1995, he was 
the recipient of the Washington University Health Administration 
Program Distinguished Alumnus Award, received an honorary Doctorate of 
Laws degree from Houston Baptist University and was named Business 
Leader of the Year in Fort Bend County, Texas. Two years later, he 
received the American College of Healthcare Executives Gold Medal Award 
and was presented with the Earl C. Collier Award by the Texas Hospital 
Association.
  In addition to his many professional achievements and honors, Mr. 
Wilford is a retired National Football League official who has actively 
participated in sports throughout his life.
  Mr. Speaker, Mr. Wilford has established a legacy by building a 
health care system with a strong commitment to spiritual values and 
community-focused care. With his retirement from Memorial Hermann, Mr. 
Wilford celebrates the conclusion of a stellar 40-year career in 
hospital management and I congratulate him on his unwavering commitment 
to health care and inspirational leadership.

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