Certified Healthcare Trustee and Leader Spotlight: August
Texas Healthcare Trustees is proud to recognize Certified Healthcare Trustee and Leader (CHTL) designees who demonstrate a commitment to excellence in healthcare governance. This monthly spotlight highlights trustees and healthcare leaders who have pursued continued education to strengthen their leadership and better serve their hospitals and communities. This month, we spotlight Carolynn Jones, a new THT Board member and experienced healthcare compliance and risk leader, as she shares her perspective on the value of CHTL certification, collaboration among healthcare leaders and continuous learning in effective governance.
Carolynn Jones, JD, MBA, CHC, CHTL
Harris Health, Houston
“In today’s complex healthcare environment, organizations face an ever-evolving range of risks and challenges. Effective governance is essential, and trustees and healthcare leaders who understand their governance responsibilities are better equipped to guide their organizations successfully.”
– Carolynn Jones, JD, MBA, CHC, CHTL
Briefly describe your background.
Carolynn: “I currently serve as Harris Health’s Executive Vice President and Chief Compliance and Risk Officer and have held that role since 2018. I joined Harris Health in 2007 after a short time in private practice. I was born and raised in the Houston area, hold a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of Texas at Austin, a Juris Doctorate from South Texas College of Law Houston, and an Executive Master of Business Administration from The University of Texas at Dallas. I have also been licensed to practice law in the state of Texas since 2006 and board-certified in Health Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 2015. In my current role, I am Harris Health’s compliance and risk executive who enables strategic decision-making while safeguarding the organization.”
Why would you encourage trustees and hospital leadership to become a Certified Healthcare Trustee and Leader?
Carolynn: “In today’s complex healthcare environment, organizations face an ever-evolving range of risks and challenges. Effective governance is essential, and trustees and healthcare leaders who understand their governance responsibilities are better equipped to guide their organizations successfully. Earning the Certified Healthcare Trustee and Leader designation provides a meaningful opportunity to assess, strengthen, and validate your governance expertise, enabling you to contribute more effectively to your organization’s mission and long-term success.”
As a board member, what has been the proudest moment for you or your board?
Carolynn: “As a new THT Board member, my proudest experience has been the opportunity to engage with fellow board members and learn from their successes, challenges, and perspectives. Those conversations have highlighted both the common issues and the unique circumstances facing hospitals of all sizes across Texas, reinforcing the value of collaboration and shared learning in healthcare governance.”
What would you say is the biggest reward and biggest challenge of being a board member?
Carolynn: “As a new THT Board member, one of the most rewarding experiences has been attending my first board meeting and first THT Governance Conference. It was a tremendous honor to represent my organization, engage with healthcare leaders from across the state, and participate in an outstanding governance education experience. One challenge has been learning THT from a governance perspective and developing a deeper understanding of its priorities, operations, and opportunities so that I can contribute as effectively as possible as a board member.”
Interested in becoming a CHTL? Learn more here.