Leading health care industry publication Becker’s Healthcare has named Covenant Medical Center president Walt Cathey to its 2017 Rising Stars list of 60 healthcare leaders under 40.
Cathey began his career with Covenant Medical Center (CMC) – then Methodist Hospital – in 1997 as an occupational therapist aide. After finishing his bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, he became an occupational therapist, subsequently earning master’s degrees in occupational therapy and in business administration, also through Texas Tech. His path through administration and leadership led him to serve CMC as vice president and then chief operating officer, before attaining the president post.
“Walt is a dedicated and visionary leader, and an integral part of our executive team. I am delighted, but not surprised, that he has received recognition on this scale,” said Richard Parks, regional CEO of Covenant Health. “Among many other accomplishments, Walt has played a key role in expanding Covenant Medical Center’s services as part of our $450 million Keeping the Covenant projects.”
Cathey oversees more than 2,500 employees and works extensively with CMC’s 650 medical staff to develop performance improvement initiatives as well as strategies to improve quality of care within the system. He also serves as leadership development vice chair of the Texas Hospital Association.
“I’m honored to be recognized by a publication of this stature,” Cathey said. “This acknowledgment shines light on our entire organization. It’s a privilege to serve our faith-based ministry each and every day.”
Becker’s accepted nominations for the 2017 Rising Stars list and selected leaders through an editorial review process. Individuals on the list have achieved executive positions at hospitals and health systems across the country, founded health IT companies and reached prominence within their organizations. Many members of the list lead professional organizations and have been recognized for their innovative approach to patient care and health system improvement.
About Covenant Health:
Covenant Health has served for almost 100 years as the only faith-based integrated health network in the West Texas, eastern New Mexico region providing a Christian healing ministry. Covenant’s network includes six hospitals, more than 1,000 licensed beds, more than 5,000 employees, 97 primary care providers, a medical staff of more than 600 physicians at its cornerstone facilities, and a regionally based health plan – FirstCare — offering high-quality affordable healthcare coverage. To learn more about Covenant Health, please visit covenanthealth.org.
(News release from Covenant Health System)