Bob Dunkin Honored by State Organization for Leadership in Health Care

HARLINGEN, March 2, 2007  –- Robert B. Dunkin, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Valley Baptist Health System in Harlingen, has been honored by a state-wide organization for leadership in the health care field.

The Texas Academy of Governance will confer recognition on Mr. Dunkin during the Texas Healthcare Trustees’ 2007 Spring Forum in Austin March 2, with Mr. Dunkin’s contributions to be noted in a state-wide publication, the Trustee Bulletin.

Stacy Cantu, Chief Executive Officer for the Texas Academy of Governance in Austin, said that Valley Baptist is to be commended for having board members who achieve the academy’s recognition status.

“Academy recognition reflects not only these board members’ commitment to excellence in governance, but also provides the people and communities served by Valley Baptist Health System with confidence that your trustees practice the most important aspects of trusteeship -- community stewardship, leadership, dedication to effective governance, collaboration, vision, commitment, and service,” Cantu said.

As Board Chairman for Valley Baptist, Mr. Dunkin serves on all Valley Baptist boards and committees as an ex-officio member.  He has been a Valley Baptist board member since 1986. 

“We are very proud of the leadership that Bob Dunkin has provided to Valley Baptist over the years,” said James G. Springfield, FACHE, Valley Baptist President and CEO.  “Mr. Dunkin’s service and dedication has made a tremendous difference -- not only at Valley Baptist, but throughout our community.” 

Mr. Dunkin has served as President and Chief Executive Officer for First Community Bank since 1979.   He also helped write the Coastal Management Program for the State of Texas, received the Land Commissioner’s Coastal Achievement Award, and served as a member of the state’s Coastal Coordination Council.

Some of Mr. Dunkin’s additional professional and civic affiliations over the years have included: 

• American Hospital Association Regional Policy Board
• Harlingen School Board of Trustees / Past President
• University of Texas at Brownsville Development Board
• Lower Rio Grande Valley Community Development Corporation Chairman
• Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) Legislative Committee
• Cameron County Parks Advisory Board Chairman
• Air Force Association Treasurer
• Boy Scouts of America Executive Board and Council Chairman
• Harlingen Educational Foundation Board of Directors
• Harlingen Chamber of Commerce Chairman and San Benito Chamber Chair
• Harlingen Rotary Club President and San Benito Rotary Club President

Mr. Dunkin received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin, and attended the Southwest Graduate School of Banking at SMU and the National School of Banking Investments.  He also served as a First Lieutenant with the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War and received the Air Force Commendation Medal.

Mr. Dunkin and his wife Ann Sweeney Dunkin have two grown children: Robert “Bobby” Dunkin II, who joined his father as a fellow Valley Baptist Board Member in 2004; and Lucy Ann Dunkin.  The Dunkins have three grandchildren: Catherine Dunkin, Cooper Dunkin, and Hunter Ann Wolthoff.