2026 Texas Baptists Legacy Awards honor Chris Simmons and Joel Allison

On Sunday, June 7, Texas Baptists will present the 2026 Legacy Awards, celebrating the heritage of Texas Baptists, to Chris Simmons, pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Dallas, and Joel Allison, retired chief executive officer of Baylor Scott & White Health.

The Texas Baptists Legacy Award is presented annually at the Independence Baptist Church in Independence, Texas, in recognition of lifelong Christian service.

Chris Simmons 

Simmons serves as the pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church, where his ministry is rooted in sharing God’s love, advancing spiritual growth and meeting the practical needs of individuals and families.

Under his leadership, Cornerstone Baptist Church has become a beacon of hope in the South Dallas/Fair Park community, offering a wide range of ministries that address both spiritual and social challenges. Simmons is known for his passionate preaching, Christ-centered leadership and unwavering commitment to evangelism, discipleship and service.

In addition to his pastoral role, Simmons serves as the president of the Cornerstone Community Development Corporation, Inc. (CCDC). Through this work, he leads initiatives focused on breaking the cycle of poverty by expanding access to affordable housing, economic opportunity, youth development and essential support services. His leadership has helped establish impactful programs, including food distribution, after-school enrichment, workforce training and community partnerships, that empower residents to thrive.

Simmons is also actively engaged in civic and nonprofit collaborations, working alongside local leaders, organizations and stakeholders to advocate for sustainable community revitalization. 

A respected voice in both ministry and community development, Simmons continues to inspire others through his vision, compassion and commitment to building stronger, healthier and more hopeful communities for generations to come.

Joel Allison

Allison is the retired chief executive officer of Baylor Scott & White Health, headquartered in Dallas, Texas. He joined the legacy Baylor Health Care System in 1993 as senior executive vice president and chief operating officer, before being promoted to president & CEO in 2000.

In October 2013, he was named chief executive officer of the newly formed Baylor Scott & White Health System until his retirement in May 2017. This concluded 45 years of service and ministry in health care.

He graduated from Baylor University in 1970, where, as a senior, he felt God calling him into the ministry of healing. He received his Master of Science in Health Care Administration from Trinity University in San Antonio. He always considered it God’s will for him to faithfully serve patients, staff and the community.

In 2013, Allison was elected to the Board of Regents of Baylor as a BGCT appointee. After his retirement, he and his  late wife, also a Baylor graduate, moved to Waco to be closer to their beloved university. He served as chair of the Board from 2017-2019.

Allison is currently a member of First Baptist Church Waco and serves as a deacon, chair of the personnel committee and as a board member of Abre La Puerta.

He also serves as a member of the Texas Baptist Missions Foundation Council and on the board of Texans on Mission. Allison is the executive in residence for the Robbins MBA in Healthcare Administration at Baylor University's Hankamer School of Business.

He has been recognized by Baylor as a Distinguished Alumnus and a recipient of the George W. Truett Distinguished Church Service Award. Allison has also been inducted into the Letterwinner’s Association Wall of Honor.

Most recently, he was honored with the Texas Hospital Association’s Legends Award.

The Texas Baptists Legacy Awards will be presented during the Sunday morning worship service at Independence Baptist Church, with lunch to follow. Individuals who would like to attend are encouraged to contact Anna Rosales at anna.rosales[at]txb.org or (214) 828-5296.