Henry "Hank" Hernandez, CEO

Henry “Hank” Hernandez serves as the Chief Executive Officer for Las Palmas Medical Center, Las Palmas LifeCare Center, and the Las Palmas Rehabilitation Hospital. Hank also oversees the El Paso Surgical Center.

Hank joined HCA, June 1995 as a Vice-President to orchestrate a major reengineering effort to fully integrate the West Texas Division’s continuum of care services.

Hank received his Bachelors of Nursing Degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio, a Masters Degree in Health Services Management from Webster University as well as a Masters Degree in Hospital Administration from Baylor University. He completed the USA-Baylor Residency program at William Beaumont Army Medical Center and retired in April 1994 holding the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Hank has served in various local and national boards among them include the following: The American Hospital Association Institute for Cultural Diversity in Health Management and Texas Hospital Association as a Board Member. He is the former Chairman of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation where he served two terms. Hank also served on the Development Board for the University of Texas at El Paso, and was a Founding member of the National Forum for Latino Healthcare Executives, where he also served in the capacity of President. He has been a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives since 1989.

Hank’s past volunteer commitments include serving as the Chairman of the El Paso Hospital Council, serving in the local chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives, serving as a Director for the local chapter of the American Red Cross, The Paso Del Norte Group, and serving as a member of the El Paso Times Business Advisory Board. Hank is a graduate of Leadership El Paso Class XVII. In 2005, Hank received the El Paso Child Guidance Center “Man of the Year” award and In 2010, Hank was named by Modern Healthcare Magazine as “Top 25 Minority Healthcare Executives”.

Hank’s Military awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (2 OLC), Army Commendation Medal (2 OLC), Army Achievement Medal, and Overseas Ribbon. He holds the Expert Field Medical Badge, Air Assault Badge and Airborne Badge. Hank is also a member of the Order of Military Medical Merit.