The Michigan Parent Teacher Association, a chapter of the National PTA, will honor Herman Gray, M.D., M.B.A., chair of the Wayne State University Department of Pediatrics, this weekend for his lifetime of work on behalf of children and families.
Dr. Gray will receive the chapter's Exemplary Advocate Award during the PTA's centennial celebration April 21 at Greenfield Village in Dearborn.
"Your work as a pediatrician, president of Children's Hospital of Michigan, Skillman Foundation trustee and president and CEO of United Way of Southeast Michigan has improved the lives of children for many years," Sibyl Wilson, president of the Michigan PTA, wrote to Dr. Gray.
The Michigan PTA is the largest child advocacy group in the state. The goal of the organization is to mobilize the forces of school, home and community to ensure a quality education and nurturing environment for every child.
"I am humbled and honored by this recognition from an iconic organization like the Michigan PTA," Dr. Gray said. "It's especially significant as they celebrate 100 years of service to children and families. Every one of us can follow the example of the PTA, working to ensure that all children have access to a high-quality education, and a safe, loving and healthy home and community."
Dr. Gray, former president and chief executive officer of the DMC Children's Hospital of Michigan, is a former WSU associate dean for Graduate Medical Education. Dr. Gray's history with Children's Hospital of Michigan dates to the late 1970s, when he served as chief pediatric resident. While with CHM, he also served as vice president of Graduate Medical Education, pediatric residency program director, chief of staff and chief operating officer. Under his leadership, the residency program developed several innovative programs and successfully recruited a significant number of minorities.
He was named president and chief executive officer of CHM in 2005. He left that position in September 2015 to become president and chief executive officer of United Way for Southeastern Michigan.
He has served as chief medical consultant for the Michigan Department of Community Health - Children's Special Health Services and as vice president and medical director of Clinical Affairs for Blue Care Network.
Dr. Gray has been honored numerous times for his humanitarian efforts related to pediatric health care, particularly with children with special needs. He has served on a variety of state and national committees and organizations, and is one of the founding commissioners on the U.S. Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission.