Some people say Andy Stern has been around the block a few times. He prefers thinking of it as 40 years of public relations experience.

Prior to forming Sunwest in 1982, he held three senior corporate communications positions involving investor relations, lobbying and international experience. Additionally, Andy served two government stints including his role as Staff Assistant to President Gerald R. Ford at the White House from 1975 through the end of President Ford's term in 1977.

He is a member of the board of directors of San Diego-based AMN Healthcare (NYSE: AHS), the nation's largest healthcare staffing company, and sits on the advisory board for Dallas-based NeoSpire, a web managment company. Andy was also a founding director of Dallas National Bank.

He is active in community affairs having served recently as chairman of the Texas Healthcare Trustees, Salesmanship Club Charitable Golf of Dallas (the HP Byron Nelson Championship), Medical City Dallas Hospital and Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. In 2001, Andy was a finalist for the Linz Award, Dallas’ highest honor for community service.

PRWeek said he might be the most connected PR person in Dallas. More likely, he’s just been around a long time.