Dr. David L. Callender is President & CEO of Memorial Hermann Health System, one of the largest nonprofit health systems in Southeast Texas with more than 250 care delivery sites, including 17 hospitals across Greater Houston.
With a workforce of more than 34,000 employees and 6,400 affiliated physicians, Memorial Hermann is committed to delivering the highest standards of safe, evidence-based, quality care to provide a personalized experience for its two million annual patient encounters. For over 116 years, Memorial Hermann has remained steadfast in its mission to improve health in the Greater Houston community, contributing nearly $500 million annually through various community health programs.    
Since his appointment in 2019, Dr. Callender has spearheaded a multi-year strategy for Memorial Hermann aimed at enabling the entire health system to create more value for patients and populations; this includes delivering the greatest outcomes at an optimal cost, creating exceptional experiences for patients and a fulfilling work environment for its workforce, and improving health equity in the communities Memorial Hermann serves.  
Prior to joining Memorial Hermann, Dr. Callender served as President of UTMB Health for 12 years. Other previous roles include Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer for the UCLA Hospital System and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Dr. Callender’s exceptional leadership has garnered national recognition, including being named to Modern Healthcare’s esteemed list of “The 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare” for three consecutive years beginning in 2022. In 2024, Dr. Callender was also named as one of Becker’s Hospital Review’s “Great Leaders in Healthcare” and “CEO Influencers to Know.”
Dr. Callender earned his medical degree and completed his residency at Baylor College of Medicine. He also completed an oncology fellowship with The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and holds an MBA from the University of Houston.