HARLINGEN, Texas – Manny Vela has announced his decision for formally retire as Chief Executive Officer for Valley Baptist Health System & Valley Baptist Medical Center-Harlingen, effective April 30, 2023.
Vela broke the news in a memo to staff on Jan. 2, 2023.
Vela has been associated with Valley Baptist Health System for 19 years. He said it has been the most fulfilling professional years of his life.
“As you have heard me say often through the years, I truly believe we have the best healthcare team in the entire world and I will forever be proud to call myself a member of the Valley Baptist family,” Vela said in the memo.
The memo is posted below.
Vela also gave a video interview to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service about his decision to retire. In a wide-ranging interview, he also spoke about his strong roots in the Rio Grande Valley, the enormous pride he has for the Valley Baptist family, how Valley Baptist coped with the challenge of COVID-19, and the current state of healthcare in the region.
Here is the video interview:
Video
Vela’s letter to staff
January 27, 2023
Dear Valley Baptist Family
And we start a New Year, I wanted to take the opportunity to let you know how profoundly grateful and proud I am to be a member of Valley Baptist family for over 19 years! There is no doubt that my time at Valley Baptist has been the most fulfilling professional years of my life.
Having said that, I am writing to personally announce my decision to formally retire from my position as Chief Executive Officer for Valley Baptist Health System & Valley Baptist Medical Center-Harlingen effective April 30, 2023. As you can imagine, this has been one of the most difficult professional decisions that I have ever made, noting the enormous sense of gratitude and appreciation that I have for each of you. However, the decision is made much easier knowing that Valley Baptist is already in the most capable hands. With that in mind, we will be working diligently on a transition plan over the next several months that ensures transparency and continuity. As I look back on our victories and challenges over the last 19 years, the one thing that is most clear to me is the fact that the foundation and fabric of this amazing organization remains solidly committed to ensuring that we do whatever is necessary to take care of the health and well-being of our communities – this has seen us through the last 100 years and will continue to drive us in the future.
I give a heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been on this journey with me over the last 19 years. There is absolutely no way that I can find the words that would adequately describe my level of appreciation and respect for each of you. As you have heard me say often through the years, I truly believe we have the best healthcare team in the entire world and I will forever be proud to call myself a member of the Valley Baptist family!
On the personal side, many of you have seen my children grow up into amazing young adults and offered prayers and support when Amy was diagnose with breast cancer. Likewise, I have shared in many challenges and tribulations involving you and your loved ones, offering prayers and support all because that’s what family does for each other. As such, I would ask that you reach out at will if I may ever be of service; I believe everyone has my personal cell number!!
As for my future, I intend to find ways to spend more time with my family! It is my lifetime goal to stay engaged in our communities, so you can expect to see me doing some of that as well. Rest assured, whatever I am doing, you and Valley Baptist will always have a place in my heart!
Keep up the great work! I ask the dear Lord to always bless you and your families.
Un Abrazo Muy Fuerte!
Manny
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