In the News

Linda McKenna of Valley Baptist Appointed by Governor  to Key State Position

HARLINGEN - Linda McKenna of Harlingen, who serves as Vice President for Government Affairs for Valley Baptist Health System, has been appointed by Texas Governor Rick Perry to the Texas Public Finance Authority.

Ms. McKenna was one of three people in the entire state appointed to the authority, which issues and sells bonds for designated state agencies in order to finance the acquisition or construction of buildings. Ms. McKenna’s appointment is for a seven-year period, not expiring until Feb. 1, 2011.

Ms. McKenna is a registered nurse and a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives. A graduate of the University of Texas at Brownsville, she received her master’s degree from the University of Texas - Pan American.

Ms. McKenna served as former president of the North Cameron American Heart Association, the Cameron/Willacy County Medical Society Alliance, and the Harlingen High School PTSA. She has also served on the board of the Texas Medical Association Alliance, the Cameron County Child Advocacy Center, and the Boy Scouts of America.

In addition to Ms. McKenna, the other two people appointed by the governor to the authority were H.L. Mijares of El Paso and Marcellus Taylor of Dallas. The appointments are subject to confirmation by the State Senate.