Dr. Glenn Hardesty – HSNT Board Member Spotlight
If you grew up in Arlington, there is a good chance you worked at Six Flags. Dr. Glenn Hardesty did, and not just anywhere. He was the age and weight guesser. That unexpected skill turned out to be useful later in life.
Today, Dr. Glenn Hardesty serves as Chief Medical Officer for Medical City Denton and Wise County and brings decades of experience in emergency medicine and healthcare leadership to the Health Services of North Texas Board of Directors. Before the boardroom and executive leadership roles, he was a North Texas kid who loved the outdoors, spent time on Lake Lewisville, and learned early lessons about teamwork and leadership.
Dr. Hardesty earned his medical degree at the University of North Texas and completed his emergency medicine residency in Toledo, Ohio before returning home to practice in North Texas. For more than two decades, he worked as an emergency department physician, caring for patients in fast-paced environments where quick thinking and adaptability are essential. Over time, he transitioned into physician leadership and hospital administration, eventually serving in senior executive roles across the region. His experience spans both nonprofit and for-profit health systems, giving him a broad understanding of how healthcare functions across settings and communities.
He joined the Health Services of North Texas Board because he believes community health centers play a critical role in the future of healthcare. There is a growing number of individuals and families who do not qualify for Medicaid and cannot afford traditional insurance, yet still need consistent and preventive care. For these patients, HSNT serves as a medical home and a trusted place to turn before health concerns become emergencies.
As an emergency physician, Dr. Hardesty has seen firsthand what happens when people do not have access to primary care. Emergency departments often become the default option, even though they are not designed to provide the ongoing, preventive care that supports long-term health. He sees organizations like HSNT as essential partners within the healthcare system, helping ensure patients receive the right care in the right setting and at the right time.
When asked about leadership, Dr. Hardesty emphasizes intention and adaptability. He believes strong leaders do their work for the right reasons and remain open to learning. Leadership, in his view, is a journey that requires reflection, emotional intelligence, and the ability to meet people where they are.
His commitment to service extends beyond the hospital. Over the years, he has served as a physician supporting local law enforcement and a SWAT team, volunteered extensively with the Boy Scouts, and spent time as a flight physician. These experiences have shaped his perspective on community, resilience, and the importance of caring for those who may not have easy access to resources.
Outside of his professional life, Dr. Hardesty enjoys spending time outdoors boating and water skiing and values time with his wife Rebecca and their two sons, Colton and Garrett.
Health Services of North Texas is grateful for Dr. Glenn Hardesty’s leadership, experience, and heart for service as we continue working to build a healthier North Texas for all.