Elcira M. Bares joined the Foundation for Advancing Veterans’ Health Research in June 2015, where she currently serves as the Board Secretary and Community member.  She has more than 30 years’ experience in healthcare management, government relations, and medically underserved areas.  She retired in 2014 from Maverick County Hospital District where she served as Chief Executive Officer. She earned a Master Degree in Business Administration-Healthcare Management from the Our Lady of the Lake University.