Elmer G. Ellis, president and chief executive officer of the East Texas Medical Center Regional Healthcare System in Tyler, has been installed as chairman of the Texas Hospital Association’s 2000-01 Board of Trustees.

The installation ceremony was held in conjunction with THA’s Annual Conference and Expo, at the Adam’s Mark Hotel in Dallas.

Ellis is a Distinguished Alumnus of A&M-Commerce. The former Paris resident earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University.

Ellis’ health management career spans more than 30 years. He joined the ETMC System in 1968 and was named president/CEO in 1985. Through his leadership, the not-for-profit ETMC system has emerged as the fifth largest East Texas-based corporation, providing health services to more than a quarter of a million East Texans each year.

From its corporate headquarters in Tyler, the system includes 14 regional hospitals and a related network of EMS, clinics, home health and related services.

"Mr. Ellis has created an unparalleled health delivery system and standard of care in East Texas, with the ETMC System being recognized not only as a regional leader, but as a national leader," said Wade Ridley, representing the board of directors for the ETMC Regional Healthcare System.

"This designation as THA chairman only furthers the reputation of ETMC and his personal leadership capabilities," he added.

In addition to his leadership roles within the health care industry, Ellis is active with numerous civic and health and human services organizations in the East Texas region.

THA is the leadership organization and principal advocate for the state’s hospitals and health care systems. Based in Austin, THA enhances its members’ abilities to improve accessibility, quality and cost-effectiveness of health care for all Texans.

THA represents nearly 600 institutional members, including 429 of the state’s hospitals and health care systems.

THA’s members employ approximately 350,000 health care professionals statewide.