Our Legacy Today --- Fall 2021 ---
Legacy Community Health Operating Board Alex Jessett Chairperson Naveen Pinglay Vice-Chairperson Ryan Martin Treasurer Gary Hammett Secretary Abigail Caudle, M.D. At-Large / Executive Committee George Burch Taryn Hargrove Gore Bryan Hlavinka Ronnie Kurtin Mariana Chavez Mac Gregor, M.D. Amanda Goodie-Roberts Johnson Olatunji Neftali Partida Marissa Taler
One on One with Bobby Hilliard The top job at Legacy, the largest Federally Qualified Health Center in Southeast Texas, isn’t one to be taken lightly. Leading an organization more than 200,000 people each year rely on for their health care is a great responsibility. But that’s what Dr. Robert “Bobby” Hilliard, Jr., Legacy’s new CEO, signed up for, and he’s more than up to the challenge. “I’m a third generation Texan who has called Houston home since 1997,” says Hilliard, “so I’ve known about Legacy for a long time. In fact, I inquired about volunteering my medical services to the organization back when it was the Montrose Clinic.” He eventually served on Legacy’s Board of Directors. “Working with low-income families, helping them get what they need, is a passion of mine,” says Hilliard, “And there’s no better place in Houston to accomplish this than Legacy.”
“It’s incredible how Legacy has grown since my time as a board member. Legacy is a health care home for all
Devin Vasquez
and I’m honored to be the CEO.”
Allison Floyd Wells, M.D.
-- Dr. Robert “Bobby” Hilliard, Jr.
Legacy Community Health Endowment Board Tripp Carter Chairperson Mike Holloman Vice-Chairperson Bryan Hlavinka Secretary Linda Cantu George Hawkins Sharon Land Mark McMasters, M.D. Ray Purser
Board Member Emeriti Melanie Gray Melissa Mithoff James A. Reeder, Jr. Monsour Taghdisi Claire Cormier Thielke
This passion for helping people has led Hilliard from the Board room, to the exam room, and even to the halls of Congress. “I was a registered lobbyist for a time, and in that role I spoke to Senators and Representatives about, among other things, the importance of Medicaid,” Hilliard tells us. “I spoke about the hugely positive impact Medicaid has on families struggling to make ends meet, as well as the program’s impact on organizations that try to do a lot with a little.” Legacy sees almost 60,000 Medicaid patients per year, so Hilliard’s understanding of all sides of this issue makes him a true asset. Looking forward, Hilliard wants to see Legacy continue to innovate so that we stay on the cutting edge of
health care. “We have a Board of Directors that has been incredibly supportive during this transition [to a new CEO],” he says. “We have a management team that is constantly looking to the horizon to identify the next thing that will help us anticipate what our patients will need three to five years down the line. And we have an exceptional staff in place that is able to adapt to new advances in health care and find ways to reach more and more underserved communities.” Hilliard is excited about Legacy’s ongoing transition to value-based care, as well as new technologies that give patients a better view of their overall health so they can be proactive about accessing our services. So yes, steering Legacy into uncharted territory is a monumental task, but Hilliard is confident in his ability to persevere. “My partner and I raised two sons who are now 25 and 18, so I know I can take on most challenges,” says Hilliard. “Now is the perfect time, and Legacy is the perfect place, for me to start giving back to the state that gave my family so much, and to continue helping people in need stay happy and healthy.” Learn more about Dr. Hilliard in a candid conversation with Legacy Chief Development Officer Chree Boydstun. View the video at legacy.community/Bobby or scan below.