On December 4, the Healthcare Technology Management Association of North Texas (HTMA-NTX) hosted its second annual holiday party and awards gala – The Sparky Awards – at the Hilton Arlington. Sponsored by PartsSource for the second consecutive year, the gala drew a packed room of HTM professionals, vendors, educators and partners from across Dallas-Fort Worth for what has quickly become the association’s signature year-end celebration.
This year’s Sparkies were bigger, brighter and more energetic than ever, reflecting the growing momentum HTMA-NTX continues to build across the region. Attendees walked the red carpet, enjoyed a three-course dinner, and celebrated the outstanding contributors who shaped a milestone year for the association.
“Our chapter has transformed over the last two years,” HTMA-NTX President Webb Clark said. “This night is about honoring the people who pour their time, passion, and expertise into making North Texas one of the most vibrant HTM communities in the country.”
Celebration With Purpose
While the evening spotlighted excellence within the profession, it also reflected the association’s commitment to service. Guests brought toys for Children’s Health in Dallas and Cook Children’s in Fort Worth, continuing a beloved holiday tradition.
“The generosity we see at this event is one of my favorite parts of the Sparkies,” Clark shared. “It reminds us that HTM is, at its core, a people-centered profession. We take care of our hospitals, we take care of our teams, and we take care of our community.”
Before the final bow, the HTMA-NTX leadership team unveiled the next major chapter for Texas HTM: the Lone Star HTM Association, a statewide collaborative uniting the North Texas, Houston, and San Antonio chapters. This partnership will culminate in a Texas-sized statewide HTM conference debuting in 2027.
“As Lone Star HTM expands professional education across the state, HTMA-NTX will be able to concentrate even more on workforce development here in DFW,” Clark explained. “Our mission is to bring new talent into the field, strengthen local connections, and keep building a community that lifts everyone.”
HTMA-NTX also announced that nominations are open for new leadership roles, with elections scheduled for March 2026.
“There’s tremendous opportunity for anyone who wants to grow,” Clark said. “Whether you’re a technician looking to stand out, a director strengthening local relationships, or a vendor aiming to elevate your presence among North Texas HTM leaders, getting involved here can make a real impact.”
Honoring a Legacy: Lifetime Achievement Award
The evening’s highest honor – the Lifetime Achievement Award – was presented by last year’s recipient, Sal Cruz of Cook Children’s Hospital. With seven distinguished nominees, this year’s award was given to a leader whose influence on North Texas HTM spans decades: David Braeutigam.
A fifth-generation Texan and U.S. Army veteran, Braeutigam built a career rooted in service, leadership and education. He earned his degree from the University of Texas at Arlington and later an MBA from the University of Texas at Dallas, spending 36 years with Baylor Scott & White Health and ultimately serving as system director for HTM.
Braeutigam is also a prolific researcher and writer, authoring numerous articles and several books, including the well-known “Tales of the Biomed” series. In 2020, he championed the launch of the biomedical equipment technology program at Collin College, serving as its first program lead and helped create a vital pipeline of skilled biomeds for the region.
In addition to his contributions in education and leadership, Braeutigam played a pivotal role in shaping the professional community itself – leading the effort to formally rebrand and launch HTMA-NTX in 2017.
Braeutigam’s vision, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to the field continue to guide North Texas HTM forward, making his recognition a fitting capstone to an extraordinary career.
Nominations may be made online at tinyurl.com/3cnvr4h6.
