Family values

Marty Wickliff lights up when he talks about his family.

He’s proud of the home where he and his wife reared three children and is quick to point out her style and flair in each room. But Susan Wickliff isn’t home. Alzheimer’s disease means memory care is now the safest place for her. And while her absence is hard on him, their children and grandchildren, he has managed to keep a sharp focus on ways he can still serve the community they both love while leaving time for family.

His service on the St. Luke’s Foundation Board is one of those community commitments. He joined the board in 2023 after a request from friend and fellow board member Gloria Portela. Being part of an organization that cares for so many (including his own family) holds great appeal for Marty. In addition to the care he and his family have often received at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center, Marty has represented hospitals throughout his career as an attorney, and his three children all went into medical related fields. He feels a connection to the health system.

“It just kind of felt natural for me to do something with the foundation. At least start there and just see what kind of contribution I could make.”

- Marty Wickliff

Marty was reared in a family that believes in making a difference. His father was one of the first Black lawyers in Houston and was active in local, state, and national politics, serving as Congresswoman Barbara Jordan’s campaign manager. Marty followed in his footsteps, earning his JD degree from Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law and a Master of Laws in labor law from New York University School of Law. He was the first Black lawyer hired by the prestigious Fulbright and Jaworski law firm in 1975. He recalls how the late Leon Jaworski would school him on the importance of giving back. “He and I used to go to lunch every once in a while, and he encouraged me to get out and do philanthropic things, volunteer and give back,” he says.

Heeding that advice, Marty served on the Texas Southern University Board of Regents, including two years as chair, and supported the Houston Symphony and Theatre Under The Stars when he was younger. Today, however, his philanthropic interests have narrowed to the Catholic Church and St. Luke’s Health. Marty is excited about the mission and vision of the health system, and he is impressed by the clinical excellence and personal dedication he sees from the team at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center. More than that, he believes that being part of the largest Catholic health system in the country translates to a special kind of care for patients. 

“I think being part of such a robust national health system that has a very mission-centric focus is a differentiator for us,” he says. “Caring about access to care, caring about serving the vulnerable. I don't know that other health systems are focused on that.”

Donna Budak, vice president of philanthropy for St. Luke’s Health, sees Marty’s compassion and commitment to service combined with his strong understanding of health care as a great value for the foundation.

“Marty understands how health systems function, and he cares deeply about the people we are called to serve,” she says. “That’s a powerful combination at work for us.”