David Callender, MD, president and CEO of Houston-based Memorial Hermann Health System, will retire at the end of the year after seven years leading the system, according to a Sept. 28 news release shared with Becker’s.
Alec King, executive vice president and CFO, will succeed him effective Jan. 1. Dr. Callender’s last day as president and CEO will be Dec. 31.
Dr. Callender joined Memorial Hermann in 2019 and led a multiyear strategy focused on improving access to care, patient experience and workforce engagement, according to the release. The system expanded clinical capacity and invested hundreds of millions of dollars in community health and charity care during his tenure.
“It has been one of the great privileges of my career to serve Memorial Hermann and the Greater Houston community,” Dr. Callender said in the release.
Mr. King joined the system in 2020. His responsibilities span technology and cybersecurity, supply chain, facilities, revenue cycle, investments, payer relations and direct-to-employer programs, the release said.
“Alec brings the vision and leadership to guide Memorial Hermann into the future, along with a critical understanding of today’s complex health care environment,” board Chair Greg Armstrong said in the release.
The transition follows a multiyear succession planning process focused on developing internal leadership, according to the release. The two will work together through the end of the year.
Memorial Hermann has served the Houston area for more than 119 years.
