Michael Cruz named Chief Executive Officer at BSA Health System

Michael Cruz has been named chief executive officer (CEO) at BSA Health System. Cruz first joined BSA as vice president of operations in 2003, later becoming chief operating officer (COO), according to a news release.

“Michael has a deep understanding of BSA and its outstanding culture of caring. He has spearheaded major growth strategies and played a pivotal role in BSA’s achievement of industry-leading employee engagement and customer service results. During his tenure as COO, the health system has seen significant growth in services and fiscal performance,” remarked BSA Chief Medical Officer Michael Lamanteer, MD.

Cruz will succeed CEO Bob Williams who retired last month after 42 years of service to the health system, 13 of those as CEO.

“We were committed to identifying a leader who shared Bob’s commitment to excellence and dedication to our mission of providing quality healthcare in Christian love, service and dignity,” said Dr. Lamanteer. “Michael exemplifies that spirit.”

In addition to his role at BSA, Cruz serves on the boards of the Amarillo Area Foundation and St. Andrews Episcopal School. He also leads BSA’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council.

Before joining BSA, Cruz was an associate strategy consultant for McKinsey & Company, one of the world’s leading business consulting firms, where he was a member of the high technology and manufacturing practice. He started his career with Deutsche Bank International Mergers and Acquisitions as an associate investment banker. Cruz earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Stanford University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale University with a double major in ethics, politics and economics and international studies with a concentration in Latin America.

BSA Health System (BSA) is a comprehensive healthcare system located in Amarillo, serving the Texas Panhandle and surrounding area. BSA, the largest healthcare employer in the region, includes the 445-bed flagship hospital; BSA Harrington Cancer Center; a network of primary care, urgent care and surgical clinics; and a preferred provider network, as well as majority interests in ADC Endoscopy and Open Air Imaging. For more information, visit bsahs.org and follow facebook.com/BSAHealthSystem.

Walmart raises driver pay, launches private fleet development program

Walmart's approximately 12,000 drivers are deeply dedicated to safety and professionalism, according to a news release, and this week, Walmart announced it is offering pay raises to ensure Walmart remains one of the best companies in the world to drive for.

These latest investments mean Walmart drivers, as part of the new Walmart Private Fleet, can now make up to $110,000 in their first year with the company. Drivers who have been with Walmart longer can earn even more, based on factors like tenure and location. The Road to a Driver: Walmart’s Private Fleet Development Program

Working at Walmart already includes access to the Live Better U program, where Walmart covers the cost of tuition and books for a college degree, and its nationwide network of Walmart Academies. In its first-ever Walmart Private Fleet Development Program, over the course of a 12-week program, supply chain associates in the Dallas, Texas, and Dover, Delaware, areas earned their commercial driver’s license (CDL) and became full-fledged Private Fleet Walmart drivers.

To apply to drive for Walmart, visit drive4walmart.com.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Business Seen