CHANGEMAKERS AT WORK

It’s been said that the only constant is change. With a mission to provide unparalleled safety, quality, service and innovation to our patients, we continually refine and improve the research, treatments and approaches we employ. In fact, our very understanding of many diseases and conditions is ever changing. As you will read in the following pages, we are making great strides in battling neurodegenerative disorders, harnessing the power of artificial intelligence and training future oncologic leaders to attack cancer with groundbreaking new therapies.

Much of this progress is made possible by dedicated philanthropists who make selfless gifts to relieve suffering, improve lives and help shape the future of medicine. One example of the impact of such gifts is the endowments that help us attract and retain the superstars of tomorrow. In addition to education, training and professional development for nurses, physicians and scientists, endowed positions provide protected time from clinical practice so they can pursue critical translational research.

Philanthropic support is also helping to accelerate the speed of medical advances, particularly in areas like robotics and imaging — where change happens in months, not years. We are delighted with the establishment of a thriving hub for such progress: The Bookout Center for Medical Innovation, Technology, Research and Education in the Houston Methodist Academic Institute. As you will learn in our cover story, we are also thrilled that a recent gift from the Jerold B. Katz Foundation will increase the number of Katz Investigators to further elevate discovery. Additionally, critical support from The John M. O’Quinn Foundation will provide essential resources to aid in our work against neurodegenerative disorders.

We closed 2023 with another significant change. After 13 years of exceptional leadership, Susan Coulter, JD, retired as president and CEO of the Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation.

During her tenure, Susan oversaw the creation of the Translational Research Initiative funds, shepherded a transformational gift from the Jerold B. Katz Foundation, and was the catalyst for the single largest gift in the hospital’s history from Rusty and Paula Walter. As you read this, Susan is likely on a golf course somewhere or enjoying family time with her husband, three children and their spouses, and three granddaughters.

Our path forward is an exciting one. I am pleased to introduce you to the foundation’s new president and CEO, Flynn Andrizzi, PhD. Flynn has been a leader in philanthropy for three decades and came to us from the Hoag Hospital Foundation in Newport Beach, California, where he served as president from 2010-23. Prior leadership positions included senior vice president and chief development officer at the University of Iowa Foundation and vice president for institutional advancement at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. Flynn also held top fundraising positions at the University of Utah. Flynn and his wife, Alison, are wonderful additions to our Houston Methodist family, and I hope you will join me in welcoming them.

MARC L. BOOM, MD PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

ELLA FONDREN AND JOSIE ROBERTS PRESIDENTIAL

DISTINGUISHED CENTENNIAL CHAIR

HOUSTON METHODIST