The Methodist Hospital's "Odd Jobber"
In retrospect, Jim’s career might seem a remarkable journey. He arrived in Houston in 1974 in his mid-20s, needing only a residency to complete his master’s in health administration. He applied to Houston’s Methodist Hospital but was turned down. This was particularly disheartening: Methodist was an internationally renowned institution, a vital part of the Texas Medical Center's transformation into a globally recognized epicenter of medical innovation and excellence, it was the place to be. Methodist was Jim’s first and only choice. As he often says, “You don’t fail until you quit trying,” and he persisted. Fortunately, his luck turned; his brother-in-law, who was the legendary Michael DeBakey’s medical photographer, connected Jim with individuals at a party who were willing to give his resume and application a second look.
Just what is The Texas Medical Center? Listen to Jim explain.
Finally accepted as a resident, he was willing to do whatever was asked, even all the "odd jobs." “When you’re the new kid,” he recounts, “you end up doing things others don’t want to.” One of those tasks involved representing the CEO at the inaugural meeting of a small organization called the South Main Center Association in 1976. He remained an active board member throughout his career with Methodist, eventually serving as chair when the organization hired Susan Young as its next director and president.
Jim relates seeing Bob Eury’s prediction of Houston’s expected growth.
He describes SMA as a unique organization operating within an equally unique situation, given Houston’s culture of no-zoning. Typically, for-profit entities band together to fund the protection and development of a specific area, as exemplified by Central Houston, Inc. and downtown. The SMA, however, is distinct in that it is a nonprofit created by and for nonprofits, with the special mission of preserving the valuable collection of institutions, green spaces and neighborhoods that line Houston’s South Main Corridor.
What is a TIRZ and how is SMA similar in the way it operates?
Jim ultimately rose to become Executive Vice President of Houston Methodist before retiring. Once the "new kid," he enjoyed the privilege of contributing to Methodist’s growth from a single "Methodist Hospital" on Fannin Street to a multi-entity system comprising eight hospitals, one academic institute, more than 35,000 employees and a budget exceeding one billion dollars. He describes his involvement with SMA as a gift and fondly recalls a quote from former Houston mayor Bob Lanier: “Sometimes, you have the opportunity to do the right thing and it’s economically beneficial, if that happens, you better jump at it.” Jim says that’s what the SMA was and still is, and he’s grateful for how the organization connected him with people across Houston, in other organizations and city government, who expanded his life and became lifelong friends.