Speakers

Stephen Thames joined Citizens Medical Center’s Administration team as the Chief Financial Officer in June. He came to Citizens from Muskogee, Oklahoma, where he served as Hospital Administrator/CEO for five years.

Mr. Thames began his career in healthcare finance in 1995 as a staff accountant. Since that time he has served in all aspects of healthcare accounting. He accepted his first CFO position in 1998. For the past few years he has worked with the acquisition and transition of eight different hospitals. He specializes in turning around hospitals by making changes and improving processes that will allow them to become profitable facilities.

Mr. Thames welcomes the opportunity to help Citizens Medical Center expand and grow as a free standing not-for-profit hospital.

Along with being a whiz with numbers and turning around troubled hospital systems, blending in among other employees is where he really rises above the crowd – literally. At an impressive 6’6”, the former Louisiana Tech basketball player cannot be missed – be it in the hall talking to coworkers or serving cake at a retirement party.

Mr. Thames is also an avid pilot who uses his personal plane as a quick means of transportation. He enjoys being able to fly to anywhere he wants to be within three hours. Right now he uses the plane to get back to his family, who will remain in Oklahoma until his oldest son, Christopher, graduates from high school in May. Family for Mr. Thames also includes his college sweetheart and wife of 24 years, Christine, son, Kenneth, and daughter, Hannah. His parents reside in Zapata, Texas.

Other interesting facts:

• Hobbies include golf and fishing
• He’s a Texas boy – born in San Antonio, raised in Del Rio, and attended high school in Schertz.
• Has a degree in Accounting from Louisiana Tech
• Entered the Army National Guard as a construction engineer after college.
• Has been with the Army National Guard in Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma for a total of 20 years