HOUSTON (March 4, 2021) — Dr. Arthur Bracey, a professor of pathology and immunology at Baylor College of Medicine, and chief of clinical pathology at CHI Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center, has been elected chair of the Harris Health System Board of Trustees, the governing body of the public healthcare system in Harris County.
Bracey was originally appointed to the board in March 2018. He has served on numerous boards and professional groups including as: a member of the Medical Advisory Committee for the American Red Cross, chair of the Annual Meeting Education Program Unit for the American Association of Blood Banks, chair of the Transfusion Medicine Resource Committee for the College of American Pathologists, board member of the American Association of Blood Banks, board member of the National Marrow Donor Program, chair of the Advisory Committee on Blood Safety and Availability for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and president of the Society for the Advancement of Blood Management.
Bracey; Linda Morales, vice chair; and Elena Marks, secretary; serve as officers of the nine-member board throughout Harris Health’s 2022 Fiscal Year.
“It is a distinct honor to serve on this board that is notable for its deep talent, diversity and commitment to improving the health of Harris County residents,” says Bracey. “I am humbled and thrilled to assume the position of board chair.”
Bracey looks forward to working with Dr. Esmaeil Porsa, president and CEO, Harris Health System, and the entire board to implement the system’s newly adopted 2021-2025 strategic plan.
“The Harris Health Board understands the needs of the underserved and greatly appreciates the work of devoted staff and medical partners,” Bracey adds. “We have our eyes on the prize and promise to achieve it – a better life for those we serve!”
The board also welcomes new trustee, Marcia Johnson, who was appointed during the Jan. 26, 2021, meeting of Harris County Commissioners Court.
Johnson has been a law professor at Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Texas Southern University for almost 30 years. She is the founder of the school’s Earl Carl Institute for Legal and Social Policy, which has been the university’s leading think tank and legal service provider since its founding in 1992.
She has served on numerous public boards including the Texas High Speed Rail, the Metropolitan Transit Authority (METRO), Texas Bar Ethics Commission, Annam Community Development Corporation and organizations in 3rd Ward and Acres Homes.
“I am honored to become a member of the Harris Health Board of Trustees, particularly at this time in our history when we more universally recognize the importance of a healthcare system that provides for all – equitably, compassionately and competently,” says Johnson.
Other continuing members of the Harris Health Board of Trustees include: Andrea Caracostis, MD; Anne Clutterbuck; Lawrence D. Finder; Ewan Johnson, MD, PhD; and Alicia Reyes.