Former Abilene Christian University trustee April (Bullock ’89) Anthony continues to earn accolades for her business success and leadership.

The Dallas resident recently received the sixth annual Innovator Award from the Healthcare Leaders Conference, an event attended by the top venture and private equity investors and CEOs from healthcare services and health information technology sectors.

It “recognizes outstanding operating executives, who as CEOs have made a dramatic impact on the success of their individual companies in terms of value creation; the implementation of sector-shaping business models and innovative business practices; culture and team-building; and their individual/organizational impact on the overall healthcare scene,” according to the conference website.

Previous recipients include Sen. Bill Frist, a nationally recognized heart and lung transplant surgeon and former U.S. Senate Majority Leader.

Anthony is founding CEO of Encompass Home Health and Hospice, named the No. 1 large company in the Dallas Business Journal’s 2014 “Best Places to Work” rankings. The publication’s 12th annual report highlighted companies placing an emphasis on those that establish competitive employee compensation plans, embrace tolerance and flexibility, and support innovation and ideas.

“This latest distinguished award is a great testament to April’s stellar career as a thought leader in her industry, marked by her business expertise, ability to build relationships and cutting-edge, innovative practices,” said ACU president Dr. Phil Schubert (’91).

 Anthony also is founding CEO of Homecare Homebase.