Andrea Carcostis, M.D., MPH
Board Chair, Harris Health System (Houston, TX)
Texas Healthcare Trustees presents the Founders’ Award to a distinguished health care trustee with an exemplary record of leadership, dedication and excellence in healthcare governance. The Founders’ Award is the highest honor bestowed to a trustee.
A distinguished physician leader, Dr. Caracostis was born and educated through medical school in Bolivia, completed an internal medicine fellowship in Vienna, Austria, and later earned a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from Texas A&M University. Throughout her career, she has combined clinical expertise, public health knowledge, and a passion for health equity to improve access to care and strengthen healthcare systems.
Since joining the Harris Health Board of Trustees in 2020, Dr. Caracostis has played a pivotal role in guiding the organization through a period of significant transformation. Serving as Board Secretary in 2022 and Board Chair since 2023, she has helped lead Harris Health through a CEO transition, the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the development of two strategic plans, and the passage of a historic $2.5 billion bond referendum to support major facility expansion projects. Her leadership has also been instrumental in advancing the replacement of Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital and the long-term expansion of Ben Taub Hospital, ensuring access to high-quality care for generations to come.
Under her leadership, Harris Health has achieved notable improvements in quality, patient outcomes, and organizational culture, earning national recognition for excellence in patient care and employee engagement. Beyond Harris Health, Dr. Caracostis has dedicated her career to serving vulnerable populations as CEO of HOPE Clinic/ Asian American Health Coalition and through her involvement with numerous healthcare and community organizations focused on expanding access to care and improving health outcomes.
Known for her diplomacy, passion, and steadfast dedication to Harris Health’s missions, she leads with a patient centered focus and a deep respect for the employees and medical staff who deliver care every day. Dr. Caracostis has made an extraordinary and lasting impact on Harris Health and the communities it serves. She is a visionary, a champion for equity, and a transformative leader whose contributions make her profoundly deserving of this recognition. Her leadership exemplifies the spirit of the Founders’ Award and the values of excellence, innovation, and service that define Texas Healthcare Trustees.
