President and CEO David L. Callender will be retiring at the end of 2026 and will be replaced by Alec H. King. (Courtesy Memorial Hermann)
After seven years at Memorial Hermann Health System, president and CEO David L. Callender will be retiring at the end of 2026.
Callender will be replaced by Alec H. King, who serves as executive vice president and chief financial officer, officials announced in a Sept. 28 news release.
How it happened
King was chosen to take over for Callender after a multi-year selection process which officials said focused on internal leadership and the future of Memorial Hermann.
Callender and King are partnering through the end of the year to guarantee a smooth transition and to continue on Memorial Hermann Health System’s current path, per the release.
How we got here
Callender first came to Memorial Hermann in 2019, concentrating on better value for patients and communities, healthcare access, patient experience and a strong workforce environment for the system’s employees, according to the release.
Since being brought on board, Callender has overseen an investment of hundreds of millions of dollars in both community and charity care along with Memorial Hermann’s increased healthcare access and clinical capacity.
Meanwhile, King joined Memorial Hermann in 2020 and has been vital to its strategy, growth and transformation, per the release.
Alec King will replace Callender as President and CEO of the Memorial Hermann Health System on Jan. 1.Courtesy Memorial Hermann
His responsibilities over that time have included:
Technology and cybersecurity
Supply chain
Facilities
Revenue cycle
Investments
Payer relations
Direct-to-employer programs
Additionally, King has cultivated partnerships, furthered innovative care models and sustained Memorial Hermann’s financial footprint to better invest in its goals while existing in an ever-changing healthcare environment.
In their own words
Callender said he is grateful for his time as president and CEO and all of his achievements guiding 391 Greater Houston locations.
“It has been one of the great privileges of my career to serve Memorial Hermann and the Greater Houston community,” Callender said. “I am incredibly proud of what our employees and physicians have accomplished for our patients and the communities we serve.”
Meanwhile, King said he understands everything Callender has done over the past seven years has set him up for success in his new position.
“It is an extraordinary honor to lead Memorial Hermann, which has been an essential part of Greater Houston for more than 119 years as a healthcare provider, employer and community partner,” King said. “Under Dr. Callender’s leadership, we have built tremendous momentum and I believe our greatest opportunities lie ahead.”
On the horizon
Callender’s final day as president and CEO will be Dec. 31. King will start his new role Jan. 1, according to the release.
