Name: Cathy Ashby, EdD
Hospital/Health System you serve: Hendrick Health
Hometown: Abilene
Occupation: President & CEO United Way Abilene
Family:
- Phil Ashby, spouse, 40 years
- Children, Jay & Kate Ashby
- Jason & Carly Potter
- Grandchildren: Ashby Potter (6) and Micah Ashby (2)
Hobbies/Interests: Gardening, collector
As a Board Member…
What has been most rewarding during your board service? There are so many moments that are significant but opening our stand-alone hospice facility is at the top of the list
What has been the most challenging issue for your board? Supporting our medical staff, hospital administration and first responders as they led our community through the pandemic.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned as a board member? Listen to all stakeholders.
What are your board’s priority areas for 2022? Support the hospital in its goals – increasing access to care, chronic disease prevention, programs for crisis and emergency care of mental health, coordination of patient care between the hospital and other clinics, private doctors, other health providers.
Why did you choose to become a Certified Healthcare Trustee? First certified 11 years ago and completed recertification. Being a certified healthcare trustee has increased my knowledge of board members’ responsibilities.
About Me…
My background: I was raised in Winnsboro, Texas. I graduated from Hardin-Simmons University, Abilene Christian University, and Texas Tech University. I then went on to become a teacher and school administrator for 29 years working in Abilene ISD for 25 years. And now I celebrated 10 years in nonprofit leadership in Abilene.
My childhood ambition: To be a teacher.
My favorite person: Our grands give us so much joy and we’ll be adding two more in 2023!
Last place I traveled: Puerto Vallarta
My favorite places in Texas: Ft. Worth, Abilene, Port Aransas