George B. Hernández Jr. recently retired as president and chief executive officer of University Health, the public hospital district for Bexar County. For more than 40 years, Hernández demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to shaping an equitable and sustainable healthcare future for San Antonio. He worked tirelessly to make University Health a nationally recognized healthcare organization, always keeping a clear focus on the needs of underserved areas of the city. Through projects such as the Robert B. Green Hospital expansion, completed by CallisonRTKL in collaboration with Overland Partners, the 2014 Sky Tower expansion of University Hospital by Perkins & Will, and the Women & Children’s Hospital by Marmon Mok | ZGF, Hernández’s leadership resulted in beautiful, efficient spaces that celebrate the communities they serve. The projects are not only LEED-certified; through University Health’s award-winning Salud-Arte program, they also integrate art as a healing component in the built environment, bringing dignity and joy to those struggling to regain their health.

Hernández was recognized at TxA’s 85th Annual Conference & Design Expo, held in Houston in October 2024. View a video about his contributions to the built environment.