Type Of Business:
Nonprofit organization
Expertise:
Leadership Development; Health and Human Services, Life Coach, Public Speaking
Major Product/SVS:
Medical, Dental, Child Care, Counseling and Social Services
Favorite Business Publication:
Texas CEO Magazine, Health Progress, Harvard Business Review, HR Magazine: Society for Human Resoure Management
Hobbies/Sports:
Musician; Reading; Tennis
Education Degrees:
B.S. Medical Technology (ASCP), Texas State University (1985)
MBA, Business Administration, Texas State University-San Marcos (1994)
Affiliations Awards:
Society for Human Resource Management, San Antonio Non-profit Council, Health Access San Antonio
Children's Names:
Eric, Ian
Work History:
After completing his Bachelor’s degree in 1985, Mr. Mejia was employed at Detar Hospital in Victoria, Texas as a Medical Technologist. In 1987, Mr. Mejia moved to Austin, Texas to pursue an MBA. In 1989, Mr. Mejia accepted a position with the Seton Family of Hospitals as a microbiologist. While at Seton, Mr. Mejia advanced to several positions of greater responsibility including: Laboratory Supervisor for Seton East Community Health Center, Patient Accounts Supervisor, Site Manger and eventually Director of Community Health Services. As Director of Community Health Services, Mr. Mejia was responsible for the day-to-day operations and strategic planning of three community health centers, a pediatric mobile van, school linked and school based clinics, community outreach teams, and the St. Edward’s University Student Health Center. After the Seton Family of Hospitals assumed management and control of the city-owned Brackenridge Hospital in 1995, Mr. Mejia was responsible for managing the Brackenridge outpatient specialty clinic. Primarily staffed by residents and faculty of the residency program, this clinic was located on the fifth floor of the hospital and operated as a department of the hospital.
In 2000, Mr. Mejia accepted the position of President and CEO of Daughters of Charity Services of San Antonio (DCSSA). At that time, the operating budget for DCSSA was approximately $2 million. In fiscal year 2011, the operating budget was approximately $6 million. In 2010, DCSSA was ranked among the 20 largest not-for-profit health and human service organizations by the San Antonio Business Journal.
Mr. Mejia has been a part of the Daughters of Charity Health System for 22 years, and has served as President/CEO for DCSSA for the last 11 years.
Career Achievements:
Mr. Mejia has been involved in various community service organizations which included being a founding member of Lifeworks, a new 501(c) 3 organization, the result of merging three independent not-for-profit agencies into one.
He is a founding member of Health Access San Antonio; a 501(c) 3 dedicated to improving access to healthcare for low-income, uninsured and underinsured individual and remains active on the board.
Throughout the duration of your career, what was the one highlight that stood out the most?:
One highlight that stands out in my career is participating in the merger of three non-profit organizations into one. This worked involved reviewing numerous business processes. However, I learned the most from interacting with the staff of each of the organizations and helping them prepare for the merger. By combining the resources of three small organizations into one large organization they were able to provide more services at a lower cost. The new organization was able to leverage more community support and financial resources. As a result the new organization was able to double the number of children they could provide shelter for. Expanded their life skills and counseling programs for abused and neglected children, teen runaways and adults with mental health issues.
Charity:
Volunteer, Various Community Collaborative Efforts
Number Of Years In Profession:
22
Number Of Years In Current Position:
12
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
He attributes his success to doing the very best he can and letting God do the rest.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
He became involved in his profession because he felt a calling to help people. He has been helping people for more than 20 years.
Extended Bio Profile:
Mr. Larry Mejia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology and a Master of Business Administration from Texas State University. As the child of migrant workers his parents stressed the importance of education and living his faith. He is a first generation college student.
Mr. Mejia is recognized for his expertise in serving low-income, minority communities. As a community leader, he has earned the trust and respect of senior staff within the major health care systems, corporations, community foundations and philanthropists. He is also recognized for his integrity, relationship building skills and motivational abilities.
Mr. Mejia’s experience as a leader within an inpatient hospital based system and as a leader of a stand alone community health and human services agency has provided him with a unique perspective on healthcare and leadership. Mr. Mejia has participated in numerous leadership development programs including: Ascension’s 2 yr. “Formation for Catholic Healthcare Ministry Leadership”, Seton Cove’s 1 yr. Leadership Pilgrimage Program, United Way’s Leadership program for agency CEO’s and is a graduate of the Leadership Austin Program.
In 2008, Mr. Mejia’s community involvement led to working one-on-one with a few individuals as a life coach. His 22 years of experience in health and human services, leadership training, formation, facilitation skills and spiritual direction have served him well in this role. As a life coach, Mr. Mejia works with individuals to guide them through specific personal projects, business successes, and transitions in their personal life, relationships or profession. To date, Mr. Mejia has encouraged and supported others in their pursuit of advanced degrees.
Mr. Mejia is particularly interested in coaching the next generation of health and human service leaders with an emphasis on minorities.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
The President/CEO is responsible for strategic planning, development of short & long range objectives, policies, procedures, management, operations and budgets of the community health and social service centers. Establishes an organization hierarchy and delegates limits of authority to management regarding policies, contractual commitments, expenditures and human resource and personnel matters. Represents the organization to the community served including industry groups, representatives of government, health and social service agencies, regulatory agencies and the general public. In accordance with sound principles of management, the President/CEO is held accountable for the execution of the philosophy, mission, values, directives, objectives and initiatives set forth by the organizations Board of Trustees.
Education Certifications:
Certified as a Medical Technologist by the American Society of Clinical Pathologist (ASCP)
Awards/Honors:
Selected as VIP member of Cambridge Who’s Who.
Where Will You Be In 5 Years:
Personal Mission Statement: I am called to inspire and serve one and all in their pursuit to live an authentic life.
In five years, Mr. Mejia hopes to be coaching and or mentoring young leaders on their journey to live an autentic life.