The Parkland Retirees Organization (PROs) was founded in 2003 to provide the Parkland Health & Hospital System (PHHS) retirees the opportunity to rekindle friendships formed during their PHHS employment years, to keep updated on the retirees’ benefit programs and security, and to support the hospital. The PROs also promotes the support of the Parkland Foundation, furthering knowledge regarding the hospital future, and encourages retirees to serve as volunteers at PHHS.

Board Officers

The Board Officers, elected annually, are President, Vice President/President Elect, Secretary, and Treasurer. They are responsible for managing and control of all Parkland Retirees Organization ongoing programs and services. They oversee and communicate updated retirees’ benefits and their security. The Board has established various committees that review and report on specific programs, projects, and issues. The Committees also make recommendations to the Board.  The Board Officers and Directors meet once a month or as needed to conduct business.

Directors

The Directors shall be for Programs, Membership, Faculties and Planning, Member-at-Large, Past President and two advisors.

A Brief Biography of 2009-2010 Board

Gwen Roof, President:   February 1981 was a turning point in my life. I began my career at Parkland as a float pool nurse in Medicine Services. Shortly thereafter, I became the manager of 6 South and then moved to 9 South South in 1985 when the unit construction was completed. Prior to my retirement in 2007, I was Unit Manager of the Medicine Specialty Clinics. During my years at Parkland I served on many specialty Projects.

Joy Ashcraft, Vice President/President Elect:  I graduated from Florida State University in 1964 with a B.A. degree in Medical Technology.  I did my clinical lab. rotation at Piedmont Hospital in  Atlanta, Ga. where I worked for 3 years.  I came to Parkland in 1968 and worked in the Hematology Lab. until 1971.  I went to Germany and worked in a German hospital.   I returned to Parkland in 1973 and worked in the Hematology Lab. until 1978 when my son was born at Parkland. He was premature and was in the NNICU for six weeks.  He received excellent care.  In 1983 I returned to Parkland and again worked in the Hematology Lab. and the Special Coagulation /Bone Marrow Lab. until 2002 when I transferred to the Immunology Lab. as a Section Supervisor.  I retired in December, 2007.

Judy Rumfield, Secretary:  I graduated from TWU College of Nursing in 1960. I worked as a student nurse prior to graduation, and as a staff nurse and Head Nurse at PMH--all in the OB-Gyn Department until 1979 when I left Parkland. I served on the Board of Directors for the credit union in its “infant days”. I may have left PMH in body, but never in spirit!! After many years in nursing, I now work with my husband.

Anna Robinson, Treasurer:  I worked at Parkland for 39 plus years as a Polio Nurse, Supervisor of OB-Gyn, and as the Nurse Liaison to Information Systems in various roles until my retirement. I had a wonderful career. The best part was the opportunity to work with so many of you.

Helen Maynard, Programs Director:  I completed a 2-year Respiratory Program at the University of Oklahoma and a BS in Allied Health Education at the University of Texas Health Science Center. At Parkland I worked as a Respiratory Therapist and Quality Assurance Coordinator from 1977 to 2000. Currently, I am a member of the Frisky Foxie Ladies Red Hat Society and am a Neighborhood Leader of the American Sewing Guild in Hurst, Texas. I am working on my king size sampler quilt which I don’t plan on doing again!

Gracie Duffie, Membership Director:  Widowed with two adult sons and five grand children.  Began working @ PMH in May of 1967. During which time I wore many hats.  Worked as Nurse's Aide, General Clerk, Information Clerk, Data Entry in ER, Facilitator for COPC, Referral Coordinator and CSA. Retiring from PMH in 2008 @ which time I was working @ the Garland COPC.

Margaret Hervy, Facilities & Planning Director:   While at Parkland I worked on the Surgery and Trauma units. I was in the Surgical Step-Down ICU for 1-½ years, then back to a surgical floor. I transferred to ACC and remained there until I retired in 1992. After retirement I was with the volunteer services, assigned to the Gift Shop, where I was for 2 years until Home Health Care got very busy and I no longer had time for volunteering which I enjoyed very much. I am still working with a Home Care Agency.

Donna Dryer, Member-at-Large Director:   After graduating from TWU I started my nursing career at PMH.  During the next 33 years I worked on the Isolation Service (7 East), Medicine and in the Q.A. Department.  I had the honor of being named the first Infection Control Nurse at Parkland and the first in Dallas.  I served as Parkland's Infection Control Manager until retirement in 1993.  Not ready to  retire I returned to work at Southwestern Medical School retiring from full time in 2003.  Currently I  continue to work at the School part-time.