December 10, 2009
Texas Heart Institute Names Frank Michel as Director of Public Affairs
The Texas Heart Institute (THI) at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital has announced the appointment of Frank Michel as its new Director of Public Affairs.
Michel, who served as Communications Director for Houston Mayor Bill White's office since 2004, joined the THI staff on December 1. Prior to his time at City Hall, Michel spent 25 years as an award-winning journalist at the Houston Chronicle, including a number of years as the editor of the Chronicle's editorial and opinion pages.
"We're very pleased to have someone with Frank's skills and experience to help us tell THI's great success stories," said Dr. James T. Willerson, President & Medical Director of THI.
Michel will be responsible for both internal and external communications for the Institute, including media contacts and inquiries. Michel will also work closely with THI's new development team as it attempts to garner broader support for the significant research under way in such areas as adult stem cell research and therapy, cutting-edge heart assist device technology, identification of genetic risk factors, personalized medicine, and nonsurgical treatments for heart disease.
About the Texas Heart Institute
The Texas Heart Institute, founded by world-renowned cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Denton A. Cooley in 1962, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing the devastating toll of cardiovascular disease through innovative and progressive programs in research, education and improved patient care. Together with its clinical partner, St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital, it has been ranked among the top ten cardiovascular centers in the United States by U.S. News & World Report’s annual guide to “America’s Best Hospitals” for the past 19 years. The Texas Heart Institute is also affiliated with The University of Texas (UT) System, which promotes collaboration in cardiovascular research and education among UT and THI faculty at the Texas Heart Institute and other UT components.
Contact:
Frank Michel
713-218-2210
fmichel@heart.thi.tmc.edu
www.texasheart.org/AboutUs/News/pubaffa.cfm
