AUSTIN, TX - (June 12, 2009) - Seton Family of Hospitals President and Chief Executive Officer Charles J. Barnett, FACHE, was recently awarded a Bicentennial Medal from the Seton Legacy of Charity in honor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton.
In 1809, Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton founded the
American community of the Daughters of Charity, the group of
sisters who began the Seton Family of Hospitals in 1902.
Barnett was among 51 men and women from diverse backgrounds who
were honored for their significant contributions in social
services, education and health care. The award ceremony was
held May 23 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Saint
Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Md.
"It truly was a grace to be part of the ceremony where people from across the United States, Korea and Italy were honored for their fidelity in carrying out and spreading the legacy of Elizabeth Ann Seton," said Sr. Nannette Gentile, DC, Senior Vice President of Mission Integration for the Seton Family of Hospitals. "It was especially uplifting to witness that those who are poor are served by such dedicated clergy and laity in a variety of ministries."
Barnett joined Seton in 1993 and has more than 30 years of healthcare administration experience. In addition to his role as Seton's president/CEO, Barnett is the Texas Ministry Market Leader, responsible for overseeing Providence Healthcare Network in Waco. He is a member of the boards of the Seton Family of Hospitals and Cedar Park Health System LP and also serves on the boards of the Seton Foundation, Seton Medical Center Williamson and Seton Medical Center Hays. He chairs the Seton Health Plan Board and serves on the President's Advisory Committee for the Texas Hospital Association. He's also Board Chair of Children's Optimal Health. He is the past Board Chair of Austin Partners in Education, Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and The Capital Area United Way. Additionally, he is a member of the Advisory Boards for The University of Texas School of Pharmacy, Opportunity Austin and Xavier University Graduate Program in Health Services. He chairs the Austin Partners in Education Board of Directors and is a member of the board of the Greater Austin Economic Development Corporation.
"Like Elizabeth Ann Seton, Charles is an advocate for healthcare for the uninsured and the needy specifically in taking on the management of University Medical Center Brackenridge. Too, Charles' work with the Chamber of Commerce focuses on projects to promote quality education in Central Texas. In presentations at administrative meetings or at public functions Charles enthusiastically articulates the history, tradition and values of the Daughters of Charity," added Gentile.
The roots of the Daughters of Charity extend back to 1633 when it was founded by St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac in France to serve those most in need and abandoned. They began caring for the sick poor in their own homes and were soon asked to take responsibility for administering hospitals. Their work responded to the needs of their communities and encompassed social services, care of orphans and refugees, education and work in church parishes.
For more information about the Seton Legacy of Charity, visit www.setonlegacy.org. For information about the Daughters of Charity, visit www.doc.org.
Seton is proud to have four hospitals – the only hospitals in Central Texas - that have earned the