UMC did not reprimand CEO Valenti after meeting

No action … and no reprimand!

That’s what happened after two-hour special University Medical Center board meeting on Friday. The board was supposed to address communication concerns with hospital CEO Jim Valenti after UMC board chairman William Hanson said a reprimand was a possibility.

But there would be no reprimand on Friday.

It was a different scene compared to last week. On Friday, more than 20 speakers had nothing but positive comments about Valenti. The board even heard from Liz Lara, one of the more than 50 former UMC employees laid off earlier this year. Lara talked about how Valenti told her he was “sorry” when she was laid off. After her comments during the meeting, Valenti hugged her.

Valenti then took to the podium to and mentioned he was concerned disciplinary action now could lead to harsher action against him later. He also promised to be “a better person, executive and try and exceed the expectations of the entire community” in the future. Afterward, he received a standing ovation.

Board chairman William Hanson had this to say after an hour-long executive session: “No specific action taken today in this meeting. The board, however, plans to meet with Mr. Valenti to discuss communication issues, which he acknowledges in his comments today could be improved. And we will work together to identify opportunities in a plan for improvement.”

Valenti added: “I can make improvements and I want to exceed the expectations of everyone so those are my comments. It’s an honor and privilege to be here to serve as the CEO at UMC.”

Commissioner Vince Perez, who has been critical of Valenti, was traveling back from San Antonio, but texted these comments: “Commissioners Court has expressed the many concerns that need to be resolved and I hope the board will make a genuine effort to address these matters in the coming weeks.”

County Judge Veronica escobar emailed this statement: “It’s now up to the Commissioners Court to move forward in the best way possible to ensure that we create new policies to create greater accountability over the board for the county and taxpayer.”