Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas has added five new members to its board of directors, which has governed the nonprofit—which owns 50% of Methodist Hospital System— since its inception in 1995.

“Serving on this board has been and continues to be one of the most incredible blessings and opportunities of my life,” said Dr. Michael Lane, chair of the board of directors for Methodist Healthcare Ministries, in a news release. “We are excited to welcome these outstanding and gifted individuals to our board. They are joining at a critical time, and their insights will be instrumental to implementing our strategy, which is focused on advancing health equity.”

New board members will serve three-year terms beginning with their first board meeting later this June. They can serve up to three consecutive terms. In addition to serving on the general board, they also serve on one standing committee, such as the executive committee, finance committee, governance committee, mission committee and operations committee. The five new board members include:

• Michael Bacon, CFRE, a senior-level development and external relations executive for Trinity University in San Antonio;


• Erika Prosper Nirenberg, the senior director of customer insights at H-E-B;


• Jacqueline Pugh, MD, associate chief of staff for research and development at South Texas Veterans Health Care System and a faculty member at The University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio Medical School;


• Erica T. Sosa, PhD., an associate professor in public health and the associate dean for research in UTSA’s College for Health Community and Policy; and


• Pendleton B. Wickersham, MD, a physician and partner in the San Antonio-based Arthritis Associates who previously served on the board from 2012-21.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries offers health care clinical programming and services in 74 counties across Texas and has provided more than $1.4 billion in services since 1995, according to the news release. Board members provide oversight in the governance of the health care system ensuring community members receive quality care regardless of their ability to pay, the release stated.

“As we continue our efforts to advance health equity throughout the communities we serve, we will be better informed and inspired by the leadership these new board members bring to our organization,” said Jaime Wesolowski, president and CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “Their unique talents and the breadth of their expertise will be critical for us in the coming years as we strive to improve the lives of the least served so all have an opportunity to thrive.”