40 february 2026 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South florida edition COMMUNITY NEWS Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Broward County announced its 2026 Bigs of the Year in celebration of National Mentoring Month in January, honoring extraordinary volunteers whose commitment, consistency and compassion have made a lasting difference in the lives of local youth. This year's honorees include: Big Brother of the Year, Alexander Salow; Big Sister of the Year, Selina Hightower; High School Big Brother of the Year, Josiah Ferguson; High School Big Sister of the Year, Juliana Pineda; Igniters of Big Futures, Broward County State Attorney’s Office; Defender of Potential, Michelle McNab-Hemans; and Employee of the Year: Monica Venegas. One of the most powerful ways to change the trajectory of a young person’s life is through a consistent relationship with a positive, caring mentor. That’s why adult and high school Bigs, along with educators and exceptional business leaders who champion and defend each child’s potential, are recognized for the indelible impact they have made on behalf of BBBS, the country’s largest evidence-based mentoring organization. “We are proud to have more than 1,000 active Big and Little matches, so it is quite an accomplishment for these select few individuals and organizations to rise to the top and be recognized at our Big Thank You Breakfast,” said Malena Mendez, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County. “Their level of dedication to the Littles in our program is exemplary and a testament to the mission of our organization. They are true mentors, serving as positive adult role models and guiding their Littles in becoming stronger and more confident, traits they will take with them well into the future.” Holy Cross Health is pleased to announce the appointment of Lawrence Ward, MD, MPH, MACP as its new Chief Medical Officer for Holy Cross Medical Group (HCMG). Dr. Ward is a nationally recognized physician executive with more than 25 years of clinical and leadership experience across major academic and integrated health systems. Dr. Ward most recently served as Vice President of Physician Services & Clinical Integration at Bayhealth Medical Center in Dover, Delaware. In that role, he led a multispecialty medical group of more than 200 clinicians spanning ambulatory, inpatient, surgical and perioperative services. A boardcertified general internist, Dr. Ward has been recognized as a “Top Doc” by Philadelphia Magazine and has held faculty and leadership appointments at Thomas Jefferson University, Temple University and the University of Pennsylvania. In 2025, he was honored as a Master of the American College of Physicians—one of the organization’s highest distinctions. In his new role as Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Ward will serve as the clinical dyad partner to the President of Holy Cross Medical Group. He will work closely with division chiefs, clinical leaders and the HCMG Senior Leadership Team to advance the organization’s clinical vision, strengthen physician engagement, support strategic growth and foster an environment centered on quality, safety and exceptional patient experience. Rob Kornahrens, Florida Panthers COO Rob Stevenson, Alligator Ron Bergeron Holy Cross Appoints Chief Medical Officer Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County Names 2026 Bigs of the Year Lawrence Ward, MD, MPH, MACP Alexander Salow with his Little Selina Hightower with her Little
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