"Steve understands the importance of political involvement and he works hard to build effective relationships with lawmakers," said Dan Stultz, MD, FACHE, FACP, president/chief executive officer of the Texas Hospital Association.
"I am very honored for this recognition," said Sanders. "However, I'm even more honored to serve as an advocate for our patients, physicians and staff on a daily basis."
Sanders has been a member of the board of HOSPAC, THA's political action committee, since 2002 and served as chairman in 2008-09, during which time the PAC raised the most funds in its history.
He was named CEO of Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center in April 1994 with added responsibility as North Market Leader in 2009. Sanders has been with the Memorial Hermann Health System since 1982, serving as the vice president/CEO of Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital and prior to that as vice president of Memorial Health Ventures. He is active in a number of community and civic groups in the Montgomery County area.
Sanders holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and business management from the University of Houston, as well as a master's degree in health care administration from Trinity University in San Antonio.
The Grassroots Champion Award is presented annually to one individual from each state, with winners being chosen by the state association. The 2010 honorees were recognized at a special Breakfast of Grassroots Champions at the AHA Annual Membership Meeting on April 27 in Washington, D.C. Sanders was one of 52 individuals honored this year.
Dan Stultz, MD, (left), president/CEO of the Texas Hospital Association, was on hand to honor Steve Sanders (right), chief executive officer of Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center, as Sanders received the American Hospital Association's 2010 Grassroots Champion Award in Washington, D.C.