Editor’s note: McKnight Senior Residence, McKnight Long Term Care News and McKnight Home Care profile McKnight’s The 2022 Women of Distinction winners every day from July 5 to August 10. McKnight’s Content Women of Distinction, visitthis page.
Demetress Harrell has served people in hospices and in her community for over 30 years. Since being hired in 1993 to work at Hospice in the Pines in Lufkin, TX, she has held the titles of Outreach Program Director, Executive Director, and now CEO/Administrator.
“This impressive leader has a very diverse work history and is recognized for her forward-thinking vision and impeccable leadership style,” said Lauryn Ricks, executive assistant at Hospice in the Pines.
This recognition led to Harrell’s inclusion in the senior management of several organizations. She serves on the board of the South East Texas Alzheimer’s Board, the Texas & New Mexico Hospice Organization, and the Texas Non-Profit Hospice Alliance, and is the board director of the Catholic Health Initiative/CommonSpirit Hospital. . She was also recently named a National Hospice and Palliative Care Ambassador.
In addition to her many accomplishments in the field of palliative care, Harrell is also an avid humanitarian.
She has been a Rotarian since 1998 and is slated to serve as District 5910 Governor for 2022 and 2023. Through Rotary International, she regularly donates to Polio Plus and the Paul Harris Society. She also volunteered at the Rotary Youth Leadership Award camp for over 15 years.
Harrell and her husband founded the Sherman and Mandy Curl Memorial Scholarship, which awarded more than 20 scholarships to high school seniors. She is also an Adjunct Professor at Angelina Community College, a position she has held for over 18 years.
In recognition of all his hard work, Harrell received the Athena Award and the Hometown Hero Award and was named Concerned Black Men’s Citizen of the Year, among many other community and leadership accolades.
“Demetress has added such volume to her community,” noted Ricks.
“She is a woman who has inspired other leaders to maintain a high ethical standard and promote goodwill.”
The McKnight’s The Women of Distinction program is jointly administered by McKnight’s Senior Living, Long Term Care News from McKnight and McKnight Home Care. The program’s Diamond sponsor is PointClickCare. Silver sponsors include OnShift and PharMerica, and Bronze sponsor is Reliant Rehabilitation. Table sponsors included Dreamscape, Gojo/Purell and Sound Physicians.
