In the News

Randy Baker of Valley Baptist Receives State Award
from American Heart Association

HARLINGEN, May 23, 2006 – Randy Baker, Senior Vice President for Foundation at Valley Baptist Health System in Harlingen, has received a Distinguished Service Award for many years of volunteer service to the American Heart Association.

The award certificate, signed by Dr. Diane Solomon, President of the Texas Affiliate of the American Heart Association, thanked Mr. Baker “for your outstanding work in fulfilling the mission of the American Heart Association.” The award was the only one of its type presented this year in South Texas.

“This man is one of the most successful people I know, and a wonderful contributor to the heart association and to our community,” said Dr. Thomas Clark, Cardiovascular Surgeon, who presented the award to Mr. Baker on behalf of the American Heart Association.

Mr. Baker said he has enjoyed his many years of volunteer work with the American Heart Association, which included a stint as president of AHA’s North Cameron / Willacy chapter. “My involvement with the American Heart Association has allowed me to be part of an organization that cares for our community, and has also been the source of many good friendships over the years,” Mr. Baker added.

Rebecca Taylor, Corporate Market Director for the American Heart Association, said Mr. Baker has been "a significant contributor to the Harlingen American Heart Association, through both his influence and Valley Baptist's financial support of our educational programs within our community."

Mr. Baker began serving on AHA's board in Harlingen in 1987.  "Randy has helped us with board nominations, sponsorship, and has always been there to lend advice or a hand in all of our events and endeavors," Ms. Taylor added.  "Volunteerism is truly a part of who Randy is and the American Heart Association is blessed to be one of the organizations that he supports."