Jesus Garza joined the Seton Family of Hospitals in 2002 following a distinguished career in private- and public-sector leadership. Initially he headed a newly created Health Ministry at Seton before moving into the chief operating officer leadership post. An experienced manager of complex organizations, he is also known for implementing strong community partnerships.
Prior to coming to Seton, he served as deputy general manager for the Lower Colorado River Authority, following his eight-year service as city manager for the City of Austin. He led the City during a period of economic and population expansion. His tenure included business development, downtown revitalization and the opening of the Austin Bergstrom International Airport. He was responsible for the leadership of City-owned Brackenridge Hospital during the time when it was named a regional Trauma Center and the City's negotiator in the lease agreement that brought the facility, now University Medical Center Brackenridge, into the Seton Family.
He began his government career in Austin in 1978 followed by increasingly responsible roles there. He also served as assistant city manager and deputy city manager in Corpus Christi, Texas, and returned to Central Texas to become executive director of the Texas Water Commission.
Recognized for many accomplishments, Jesus was named Public Administrator of the Year by the American Society for Public Administration/Centex Chapter and Public Official of the Year by Governing magazine. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from The University of Texas and a Master of Public Affairs degree from the Lyndon Baines Johnson School of Public Affairs.
What is one thing you want to tell the Austin community about your organization?
Seton is untiring in its pursuit to improve access to health care for Central Texans. We solve problems and strive to innovate by recruiting top specialists, piloting new ways to deliver care, embarking on research and investing in quality improvements. The demand goes beyond what we alone can provide and includes a strong network of community partners working together on a shared goal of better health care for all.
What is the most rewarding thing about working in public/social service?
Working at Seton has provided me the opportunity to work on issues and causes that make a difference in people’s lives. This is a theme that has existed throughout my career in the public and social services sectors. Whether it is assisting with the vision of the Austin downtown, protecting our drinking supply or building a new airport, working for the people is enriching. It is in many ways God’s work.
What is the most significant issue you would like to be able to solve?
The current health care model is unsustainable. Health care costs continue to rise while the basket of services people can afford is growing smaller. Today, providers are compensated based on volume. In the future, we will be compensated based on value. Seton is taking steps toward a better system, one that is integrated and coordinated and that places the person at the center. This new system promises to more efficiently deliver the care that people need, at the right time and in the appropriate setting. It will ensure that individuals have medical homes and don’t seek out hospital emergency rooms for non-critical care. The future of health care is the most personal and critical issue for all Americans.
What are you worst at and what do you hate to do? How are they different?
Sometimes it feels like we have meetings to plan meetings. When this happens, I get impatient and restless. Responding to email is not a favorite responsibility of mine either. There simply isn’t enough time to get to all that you want to do, the emails, the plans, the meetings, the reports. But, what I hate the most is when work gets in the way of spending time with my family.
What are you best at and what do you love to do? How are they different?
It is invigorating to work alongside so many thoughtful, smart and dedicated individuals whom are all passionate about our mission. Because care delivered at Seton is different. We address the spiritual and emotional needs of patients and their families as well as their physical being. The mission and the people who serve that effort make it a great place to work.
