Memorial Hermann CEO David Callender to Retire; Alec King Named Successor

King joined Memorial Hermann in 2020 and has held the CFO role while contributing to the system's strategic initiatives. In his current position, he oversees several areas, including payer relationships, revenue cycle, supply chain and cybersecurity.

Memorial Hermann Health System CEO David Callender will retire at the end of 2026, with Chief Financial Officer Alec King set to succeed him as CEO on Jan. 1, 2027, the Houston-based health system announced Monday.

Callender, M.D., has led Memorial Hermann since 2019. During his tenure, the nonprofit health system pursued a multi-year strategy focused on increasing value for patients, expanding access to care and improving the patient experience.

The health system also implemented initiatives aimed at improving the employee experience and supporting more fulfilling careers for its workforce, according to the announcement.

King joined Memorial Hermann in 2020 and has held the CFO role while contributing to the system's strategic initiatives. In his current position, he oversees several areas, including payer relationships, revenue cycle, supply chain and cybersecurity.

Memorial Hermann said King's appointment follows a multi-year succession planning process designed to develop internal leadership talent and prepare the organization for the transition.

"It has been one of the great privileges of my career to serve Memorial Hermann and the Greater Houston community," Callender said in the announcement. He also said he was proud of the work carried out by the health system's employees and physicians for patients and communities.

King said the health system has built momentum under Callender's leadership and that he plans to continue working with employees and physicians as Greater Houston's healthcare needs evolve.

"As health care continues to evolve and Greater Houston grows, our nonprofit mission calls us to take a long-term view of the communities we serve," King said.

Callender will remain in the CEO position through the end of 2026, with King assuming the role at the start of 2027.

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