JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Missouri Hospital Association presented a 2007 Excellence in Governance award to Maurice Watson, board member of Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics in Kansas City, Mo., in recognition of his contributions to the health care community.
Watson was one of six board members from across the state honored during a June 14 presentation at MHA’s annual Leadership Forum in Lake Ozark, Mo. He served as board chair of Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics from 2003 to 2006 and as vice chair from 1999 to 2002. During his tenure on the board, he has served as chair of various hospital committees, including compensation, bylaws, joint practice, long-range strategic planning, professional activities, public affairs and self-insurance committees.
“Maurice has devoted 13 years of outstanding service to the hospital and, ultimately, to the children and families of the community,” said Randall L. O’Donnell, president and chief executive officer of Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics. “He’s played a key role in leading and supporting Children’s Mercy. His legislative advocacy has benefited children’s health care and hospitals nationwide.”
Watson has served on the HCA Community Advisory Committee and Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City. He is a former board member of the Kansas City Ballet, the National Association of Children’s Hospitals and Related Institutions and the National Association of Independent Schools.
Since 1985, MHA’s Excellence in Governance award has been given annually to hospital board members for their dedication to exceptional health care. Award recipients are chosen by MHA’s district council presidents.
Other award recipients include John W. “Jack” Forbes, former board president of I-70 Medical Center in Sweet Springs, Mo.; Dean C. Henricksen, president of the Spelman Medical Foundation of Saint Luke’s Northland Hospital in Kansas City, Mo.; Donald G. LaFerla, board chair of McCune-Brooks Hospital in Carthage, Mo.; William R. Riggs, board treasurer of Liberty Hospital; and Merlyn Shepherd, board member of Bothwell Regional Health Center in Sedalia, Mo.
The Missouri Hospital Association is a not-for-profit association in Jefferson City that represents 141 Missouri hospitals. In addition to representation and advocacy on behalf of its members, the association offers continuing education programs on current health topics and seeks to educate the public, as well as legislative representatives, about health care issues.
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