By Gilbert Hoffman
One of this area’s outstanding leaders was recognized last week for his years of service to various community organizations.
Elvin Franklin was the honoree at a dinner held for him by the Harris County Hospital District at the Briar Club in west Houston, last Friday, Aug. 10th. The dinner was attended by over a hundred friends and associates of various aspects of his career and service.
Franklin has been a board member of the Hospital District since 1986, its longest serving member. He also has served over the years on the YMCA board, Greenspoint District Redevelopment Authority, North Forest ISD school board, and Greenspoint Rotary Club.
Franklin was educated at Mississippi State University and Grambling State University. He came to Houston to work for Gulf Oil, but with his wife Ann soon joined State Farm Insurance and ran this agency for 38 years before his recent retirement.
In his volunteer work, as Ann says “Elvin is a person who has a passion for fighting for the underdog. He always wants to see if he can make a difference.”
Franklin was originally appointed to the Hospital District Board by County Commissioner El Franco Lee, who remains his friend and ardent supporter. Of his many achievements, one of the most important is the work he did getting the District’s 16 community Health
Clinics built around the county.
Presenting accolade and awards to Elvin Franklin during the evening were HCHD Board Chair Stephen DonCarlos, HCHD President/CEO David Lopez, Dr. Lois Moore, State Rep. Alma Allen, and County Commissioner El Franco Lee.