HSC Office of Operations welcomes two new team members
The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth’s Office of Operations and Business Management, under the auspices of the chief operating officer, is pleased to announce the addition of the Department of Strategic and Operational Transformation.
Ms. Laura Squires joined HSC on Monday as associate vice president for strategic and operational transformation. The new department will, in collaboration with leadership, provide guidance and direction on the development and implementation of HSC’s strategic plan, provide guidance in planning efforts related to the strategy, and conduct after-action reviews and process improvement efforts that can be used across HSC.
Mr. Raul Cantu joined the new department on May 1 as the administrator for after-action reviews and will support process improvement efforts as those are developed and implemented.
Squires is excited to join HSC. As a lifelong learner and problem-solver, she believes in creative solutions for positive impact in a complex and ever-evolving society. She holds a master’s in physics from Purdue University and a Lean Black Belt awarded by the Institute of Industrial & Systems Engineers.
Most recently serving as the program director for resource management at CHRISTUS Health, Squires brings 20 years of experience in operations, strategy development and transformation. Originally hailing from the Midwest, Squires and her family of five moved to Texas almost four years ago, and her three children continue to keep her well-acquainted with their version of controlled chaos. When not cheering them on at their various activities, Squires enjoys catching up with good friends, writing and curling up with a favorite book.
Cantu retired in August from the U.S. Army after more than 22 years on active duty. He served in every enlisted leadership position, culminating as the Command Sergeant Major of 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment at Fort Campbell, Ken. A combat veteran of multiple deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, Cantu has led in demanding operational environments in the Army’s most prestigious divisions and brings a wealth of process improvement experience.
In addition to leading, Cantu trained the military’s most elite soldiers in the U.S. Army’s premier leadership course, Ranger School. A certified senior army instructor, Cantu also taught at Stephen F. Austin State University in the military science and kinesiology departments, as well as teaching a student success seminar. He earned a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration from the University of Louisville and a Bachelor of Arts in Emergency and Disaster Management from the American Military University.
Cantu also supported emergencies in response to COVID-19, Hurricane Katrina and international security efforts. A first-generation and nontraditional student, Cantu is originally from Gatesville, Texas. He and his family are excited to return to Texas and join the HSC team.
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