About this Event
Join ACHE of East Texas for an evening of celebration, connection, and inspiration at our Annual Chapter & Membership Event, the chapter's premier gathering of the year.
Unlike our monthly educational programs, this special event brings together healthcare leaders from across East Texas for an evening dedicated not only to professional growth, but also to recognizing the people and relationships that strengthen our chapter and our healthcare community. Spouses and guests are encouraged to attend and share in this memorable occasion.
The evening will feature elegant heavy hors d'oeuvres, exceptional networking, and recognition of chapter members whose service and leadership have helped advance our mission throughout the year. We will also celebrate the future of ACHE of East Texas as we introduce the incoming Board of Directors and Committee Chairs who will lead the chapter in the year ahead.
Our keynote speaker, Rick W. Merrill, President and CEO of Cook Children's Health Care System, will share the leadership perspective behind one of Texas' most significant pediatric healthcare expansions. His insights on leadership, growth, and organizational excellence will provide valuable takeaways for healthcare professionals at every stage of their careers.
This special evening is made possible through the generosity of our partners and supporters. We extend our sincere appreciation to UT Health East Texas, our host sponsor; Sodexo, sponsor of the evening's elegant hors d'oeuvres reception; Rowdy Creek Ranch, sponsor of the featured wine selection; and keynote speaker Rick W. Merrill, who has graciously donated his time and expertise in support of ACHE of East Texas.
Whether you attend with colleagues, your leadership team, or a spouse or guest, this annual event offers a unique opportunity to connect, celebrate accomplishments, recognize those who serve our chapter, and look ahead to the exciting future of healthcare leadership in East Texas.
Together, with the support of our sponsors, volunteers, chapter leaders, and members, we will celebrate another successful year of advancing healthcare leadership across East Texas.
Attire
Business Professional, with an evening social atmosphere
Program
5:30 PM Reception featuring elegant hors d'oeuvres, refreshments, and networking
6:30 PM Keynote Speaker, Chapter Recognition, and Leadership Transition Celebration
Register before October 15 to take advantage of early-bird pricing, or reserve a table of eight and bring your leadership team. Spouses and guests are warmly welcomed.
Rates
Early Bird (before October 15): $25.00
Individual Ticket: $50.00
Individual Ticket with Plus One: $75.00
Table for Eight: $350.00
Education Credit
This event has been approved for 1.00 ACHE In-Person Education Credits.
Keynote Speaker
Rick W. Merrill
President and CEO
Cook Children’s Health Care System
As president and CEO of Cook Children’s Health Care System since 2007, Rick Merrill has led the Fort Worth-based organization at a time of unprecedented growth, including the historic expansion of Cook Children’s Medical Center, which nearly quadrupled the size of its campus in response to the growing need for its services. In 2023, a new Medical Center opened in Prosper, Texas. Under Merrill’s leadership, Cook Children’s began a new era by streamlining its mission and vision into a Promise to improve the well-being of every child in our care and our communities.
As a not-for-profit, nationally-recognized and integrated pediatric healthcare organization, Cook Children’s is comprised of nine entities – two Medical Centers, Physician Network, Home Health company, three outpatient pediatric surgery centers, Health Plan, and Health Foundation. With more than 1.5 million patient encounters per year, Cook Children’s growing reputation draws patients from near and far. Patients travel from across Texas and the United States, as well as internationally, to receive life-saving pediatric care at Cook Children’s.
A graduate of Texas Tech University, Mr. Merrill received his Master of Science degree in Health Care Administration in 1984 from Trinity University in San Antonio. For more than forty years, Merrill has served in leadership roles in large academic/university-based health care systems, and both for-profit and not-for profit health care facilities.
A recipient of the Fort Worth Business Press’ Executive of the Year Award in 2013 and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce’s Susan Halsey Executive Leadership Award in 2017, Merrill is a widely-recognized and respected leader in his field.
He actively serves on numerous national, state and community advisory boards, including the Children’s Hospital Association (past Chair), Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (past Chair), Children’s Hospitals’ Solutions for Patient Safety (a collaborative of 120 children’s hospitals), the Children’s Hospital Association of Texas (past Chair), Texas Hospital Association, Texas Association of Voluntary Hospitals (past Chair), the Dallas/Fort Worth Hospital Council (past Chair) and All Saints Episcopal School (past Chair).
Married for more than 35 years, Mr. Merrill and his wife have two daughters and one grandson.
A special thank you to our sponsors for this event:
UT Health East Texas UT Health East Texas | Advanced Healthcare for East TX
Rowdy Creek Ranch Rowdy Creek Ranch Vineyards | Explore & Enjoy Texas Wines
Sodexo Sodexo North America – US Food Service & Facilities Management
Agenda
🕑: 05:30 PM - 06:30 PM
Reception featuring elegant hors d'oeuvres, refreshments, wine, and networking
🕑: 06:30 PM - 08:00 PM
Keynote Speaker, Chapter Recognition, and Leadership Transition Celebration
Event venue & nearby stays
UT Tyler School of Medicine, 1100 South Beckham Avenue, Tyler, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.