News

Parkland Foundation Board of Directors names new officers, members

Oct. 5, 2020

The Parkland Foundation Board of Directors has elected Brad Hirsch, MD to chair the board for fiscal year 2021. Dr. Hirsch assumes the role from Sara Albert who now serves as the immediate past chair, following a term that included the search and selection of the Foundation’s president and CEO.

Dr. Hirsch is CEO and co-founder of SignalPath, a start-up leveraging technology to make clinical trials more efficient and effective for research sites and sponsors. Prior to his present focus, he was a practicing medical oncologist with Texas Oncology and held leadership roles in technology companies and academics including as senior medical director for Flatiron Health and as a faculty member of the Duke University School of Medicine and the Duke Clinical Research Institute. Across all of his roles, he focuses on the use of novel technology platforms to advance the frontier in medicine.

“The events of the past seven months have demonstrated the need for a strong public health system,” Dr. Hirsch said. “From COVID-19 testing and treatment to expanding virtual appointments to increasing access to care in vulnerable neighborhoods, Parkland is critical to the health and wellness of our community. I am honored to serve in this role and look forward to working with leaders across the system to generate philanthropic support to help fulfill Parkland’s mission.”

Rounding out the officers for fiscal year 2021 are Danny Tobey, vice chair; Peter Bartholow, treasurer; and Effie Dennison, secretary. The board also welcomes five new members:

Arnold L. Greene has enjoyed over 25 years as a human resource professional and currently serves as the chief human capital and administration officer for the Beneficient Company Group, LLC. He also serves on the local boards of the American Cancer Society and KIPP Texas Public Schools. Greene enjoys mentoring youth, motivational speaking and serving others in the community.

Brianna L. Hinojosa-Smith provides legal support for the digital and technology group at Yum! Brands, bringing more than 20 years of intellectual property law experience to the director role. She is currently the intellectual property co-chair of the Hispanic National Bar Association and serves as a councilmember for the City of Coppell, developing initiatives that build partnerships with businesses, organizations and schools.

Sheila Levatino joins the board as an ex-officio member representing the Parkland Auxiliary. Her experience with Parkland dates back almost 40 years when she studied in the Clinical Pastoral Education Program and later became a Catholic chaplain at the hospital before going into private practice as a marriage and family therapist. Now retired, she continues to volunteer at Parkland as a chaplain and also serves on the Parkland Ethics Committee and on the Pastoral Care Consultation Committee.

Veeral Rathod is currently incubating several brands in consumer apparel and hospitality. He is the former CEO and co-founder of the world’s first custom lifestyle apparel brand, J.Hilburn. Most recently as CEO of Spence Diamonds, he led the company through growth initiatives, brand transformation and geographic expansion as well as the rapid implementation of financial and operational strategies to successfully navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. He is currently the president of YPO Dallas and serves as a trustee at St. Mark’s School of Texas.

Melissa D. Tonn, MD is president and chief medical officer of OccMD Group P.A. She has extensive experience developing physician networks, cost containment and utilization management programs, and on-site clinics, as well as educational programs for physicians, nurses, adjusters and employers. She is a former regent for Texas Woman’s University and holds an appointment to the Texas Medical Board, District 2 Review Committee.

“A strong fundraising board comprised of members from diverse backgrounds is critical as the Foundation generates philanthropic gifts that help the health system provide quality care to our most vulnerable neighbors; expands access to services in underserved communities, and improves the overall health of our community,” said Michael A. Horne, EdD, MPP, president and chief executive officer, Parkland Foundation. “I look forward to working together to advance Parkland’s mission.”

View a list of all members of the Parkland Foundation Board of Directors.

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