St. David's Surgical Hospital names Howard Garner as new COO

Austin, TX — St. David’s Surgical Hospital, a campus of St. David’s North Austin Medical Center, has named Howard Garner as its new chief operating officer. Garner, who previously served as the vice president of operations at St. David’s North Austin Medical Center, assumed his new role on Aug. 1.

“Howard has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, operational talents and innovation that will help us continue to advance the level of care provided at St. David’s Surgical Hospital,” Jeremy Barclay, chief executive officer of St. David’s North Austin Medical Center, said. “I am confident that he will play an integral role in driving our hospital’s continued success and growth, and I look forward to his many achievements ahead as COO.”

In his previous role, Garner was instrumental in the operations of services within both St. David’s North Austin Medical Center and St. David’s Surgical Hospital. He was responsible for eight clinical and ancillary departments, including the cardiac cath lab, radiology, pharmacy, laboratory, respiratory therapy, food and nutrition services, environmental services and volunteer services. Garner also helped lead several projects, including the expansion of St. David’s Women’s Center of Texas, operationalizing a transplant support program, and integrating new surgeons onto the campus.

Prior to his work at St. David’s North Austin Medical Center, Howard served as the vice president of operations and director of business development at Methodist Hospital Metropolitan in San Antonio.

Garner earned a master of business administration from Baylor University and a bachelor of science in applied economics from Florida State University. He is also a board member of the Central Texas chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives and serves as a resident mentor for the Baylor University Robbins Institute for Health Policy and Leadership MBA program.