An engaged board has provided essential leadership through the years.

In 1959, Scientific Director Elbert DeCoursey, M.D., Sc.D., noted that it was thanks to the board that the Institute had progressed from a “modest farm-barn laboratory to an internationally recognized biomedical research center.”

“Our Trustees not only receive no compensation but their devotion can be summed up by the word ‘give,’” he wrote. “They represent the community spirit of accepting the responsibility to support and maintain the remarkable research organization that Mr. Tom Slick and his family started.”

This statement has rung true for eight decades and remains as relevant as ever. Texas Biomed is honored to have distinguished trustees providing counsel and oversight, from CEOs of major San Antonio companies to former elected officials, public servants, philanthropists, national and community leaders.

“The Texas Biomed board is extraordinarily committed in its support of the institution and the mission,” said Trustee Emeritus Henry Cisneros, former U.S. Secretary for Housing and Urban Development and San Antonio Mayor, who has served on the board since 2019. “That commitment speaks to how much board members believe in our mission to improve global health and underscores how important Texas Biomed is for the San Antonio community and economy.”

A PIVOTAL MOMENT

In October 1962, Tom Slick Jr. died unexpectedly in a small plane crash at the age of 46. As the Institute’s founder with passion and vision, things could have fallen apart, but Slick had prioritized assembling a strong group of leaders to oversee and run his research organizations.

Following the tragic news, the board issued a two-page resolution sharing their respect for Slick, noting his deep love for humanity, “soft-spoken manner and obvious kindliness” and excellent judgment. They vowed to work tirelessly to support the Institute, carrying out his vision.

“He established this Foundation so well, developed its independence so completely, and insisted upon its excellence so constantly, that its future is assured and it will always be a monument to his greatness,” they wrote.

In the years that followed, the Institute continued a phase of rapid expansion – doubling the size of staff in five years and adding new facilities.

STRONG TIES

Tom’s brother, Earl Slick, his sister, Betty Slick Moorman, and her husband, Lewis J. Moorman Jr., remained involved throughout their lives. Their support, along with Tom’s son Chuck Slick and many other relatives, board members and donors passionate about seeing the Institute grow, enabled the modern laboratories on campus today.

Local community and business leaders have volunteered time and acumen from the beginning. In the early days, this included Margaret Tobin, prominent arts and culture advocate who helped establish San Antonio’s symphony and opera; and Mary Elizabeth Butt, wife of Howard Edward Butt, CEO of Texas’ beloved grocery chain H-E-B. The tradition of family and community involvement continues today.

“Texas Biomed has been a quiet force behind some of the most important advances in infectious disease research,” said Craig Boyan, Chairman of Texas Biomed’s Board of Trustees and H-E-B Senior Advisor. “At H-E-B we believe strongly in investing in the health and the future of our community, and that’s why we’re so proud to support the Institute’s research – to ensure that future breakthroughs in global health begin right here in Texas.”

NATIONAL EXPERTS

The Institute also has a history of seeking out top scientists to provide their specialized guidance. For example, in the 1950s, Nobel laureate Wendell Stanley, Ph.D., was on the board. Today, scientific leaders from coast to coast are active members.

“People are surprised to realize the reach and impact that Texas Biomed has had, and yet it’s here in San Antonio, Texas, and they’ve got all the right ingredients,” said Judy Monroe, Ph.D., President of the CDC Foundation in Atlanta and Texas Biomed Board Trustee.

Over the past decade, the board helped Texas Biomed act quickly during the pandemic, raising $5 million with community partners in just over a week for initial COVID-19 studies. The board has continued to help the Institute navigate economic headwinds while moving decisively forward on the 10-year Strategic Plan. The massive effort underway to modernize the campus aims to ensure Texas Biomed remains on a strong course for the next 85 years.

“The expertise on our board historically and today is truly remarkable,” said Texas Biomed President/CEO Larry Schlesinger, M.D. “We are so grateful these individuals give their time and talent to help us shape a healthier and safer world through science, just as Tom Slick envisioned.”