Quality and Patient Satisfaction are Key Priorities for New COO
From social worker to high level administrator, University Health System’s new executive vice president and chief operating officer (COO) is bringing a wide range of healthcare experience to Bexar County’s hospital district at a pivotal time for the organization. Christann Vasquez, who most recently served as the chief operating and financial officer for Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services in Houston, has joined the University Health System executive team.
Originally from Chicago, Vasquez began her career in Illinois as a hospital social worker upon earning her Bachelor of Science degree from George Williams College in Aurora, Ill. She moved to Houston in the late 1980s and served as the director of Admitting and Outpatient Services for HCA Spring Branch Hospital. After earning her master’s in Healthcare Administration, Vasquez joined Memorial Hermann as an administrative fellow and worked her way up through the organization. During her 13-year tenure she served as assistant vice president of hospital operations and finance at Memorial Hermann Southwest, vice president/CEO at Memorial Hermann Northwest and vice president/CEO at Memorial Hermann Southwest and Memorial Hermann Wellness Center.
Through these experiences she amassed a strong track record for improving financial performance, enhancing patient satisfaction and building strong physician relationships. “Chris is a good fit for our organization on many levels, and her expertise will be of great value in the coming years as we expand into new clinical facilities at University Hospital and University Health System - Robert B. Green Campus,” said University Health System President/CEO George B. Hernández.
Vasquez was selected from a field of 12 highly-qualified finalists following a national search.
