2019 Department of Health Administration and Policy Distinguished Alumni Award

The 2019 Distinguished Alumni Award for the Department of Health Administration and Policy goes to Garry D. Crain, a 1994 MHA graduate.

Garry D. Crain, MHA, CPL is a 1994 MHA graduate of the Hudson College of Public Health. After graduation, Garry was recognized for his scholarly achievements and was immediately placed in leadership as Mercy Medical Center in Ardmore, OK.

Garry quickly advanced to become a distinguished healthcare executive, serving as CEO to various hospitals and healthcare systems including Kindred Hospital, Cornerstone Hospital in Austin and the Westlake Diversified Medical System. Most recently, Garry served as Vice President and General Manager of Crown Energy Company and Crown Energy Resources, LLC.

In 2018, he was appointed by the Governor of Texas to serve on the Texas State University Board of Regents and oversee the new Medical School constructions at Sam Houston State University.

Garry is a member of multiple associations, including American College of Healthcare Executives. Garry has served the Hudson College of Public Health through the years in roles such as President of the Alumni Association, guest lecturer, advisor, donor and fundraiser.

A few comments from his nomination letters include:

“I have personally been associated with most of the public health graduates over the last 52 years and I know of no one more qualified than Garry Crain” – Scott Henley, 1980 PhD graduate and adjunct professor, Hudson College of Public Health

“Garry has given free of his time to various hospital organizations and health foundations through his career, and has mentored several generations of healthcare interns.”- Mike Pruitt, 1993 MPH graduate, retired Healthcare Executive