Hendrick Medical Center Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Hendrick Medical Center has 9 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, administration, and medical oversight.

Driven by a commitment to patient care, Hendrick Medical Center operates a comprehensive network of healthcare facilities, including a medical center, women's center, rehabilitation hospital, and cancer center, impacting community health across Texas.

Leadership Roles at Hendrick Medical Center

  • Chief Executive Officer - Michael Waters
  • System Vice President, Chief Operating Officer & Interim President & Chief Executive Officer - Kirk Canada
  • Chief Financial Officer - Charles Graham
  • Chief Financial Officer (Brownwood) - Erich Wallschlaeger
  • Chief Operating Officer - Jory Lee
  • Vice President, Market (Abilene) & Chief Operating Officer - Susan Wade
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Krista Baty
  • Chief Administrative Officer, Hendrick Clinic & Hendrick Anesthesia Network - Ronald Holder
  • Assistant Chief Medical Officer - Stephen Lowry
  • Michael Waters - Chief Executive Officer

    Michael Waters, the Chief Executive Officer at Hendrick Medical Center, directs the overarching strategic vision and operational framework for the entire healthcare system. This leadership role involves guiding the organization's mission to provide comprehensive medical services across its various facilities, including the main medical center, women's center, rehabilitation hospital, and cancer center. Waters ensures alignment with the established goals of Hendrick Medical Center, focusing on enhancing patient care quality and expanding access to healthcare services within the Abilene, Texas region and surrounding communities. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities encompass fostering a culture of excellence and innovation, managing key stakeholder relationships, and driving the long-term financial health and sustainability of the medical center. Michael Waters' executive oversight is critical for maintaining the institution's reputation and its vital role in community well-being.

    Kirk Canada - System Vice President, Chief Operating Officer & Interim President & Chief Executive Officer

    Kirk Canada, the System Vice President, Chief Operating Officer & Interim President & Chief Executive Officer at Hendrick Medical Center, executes critical operational strategies across the healthcare system. This multifaceted role involves overseeing the day-to-day functions of the medical center, women's center, rehabilitation hospital, and cancer center, ensuring seamless integration and efficient service delivery. Canada's leadership drives operational excellence, focusing on optimizing resource allocation, enhancing patient throughput, and maintaining high standards of care. The System Vice President, Chief Operating Officer & Interim President & Chief Executive Officer also plays a pivotal part in strategic planning and interim executive leadership, bridging operational management with high-level decision-making. Kirk Canada's influence extends to improving clinical workflows and supporting the overall growth and stability of Hendrick Medical Center's extensive network.
    Kirk Canada

    Charles Graham - Chief Financial Officer

    Charles Graham, the Chief Financial Officer at Hendrick Medical Center, directs all financial operations and fiscal strategy for the organization. This executive position involves meticulous management of budgets, financial planning, revenue cycle optimization, and capital allocation across the medical center, women's center, rehabilitation hospital, and cancer center. Graham ensures the financial integrity and long-term viability of Hendrick Medical Center by implementing robust financial controls and reporting mechanisms. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities include analyzing financial performance, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and securing funding for strategic initiatives and infrastructure development. Charles Graham's financial acumen is essential for supporting the organization's mission of providing accessible and high-quality healthcare services while maintaining a strong economic foundation.

    Erich Wallschlaeger - Chief Financial Officer (Brownwood)

    Erich Wallschlaeger, the Chief Financial Officer (Brownwood) at Hendrick Medical Center, manages the financial health and strategic fiscal planning for operations in the Brownwood area. This critical role involves overseeing all financial activities, including budgeting, financial reporting, revenue cycle management, and capital expenditure planning for the facilities serving that market. Wallschlaeger ensures financial compliance and drives initiatives to optimize financial performance and resource allocation, supporting the delivery of high-quality healthcare services. The Chief Financial Officer (Brownwood) works closely with local leadership and system finance teams to maintain fiscal responsibility and support the long-term sustainability of Hendrick Medical Center's mission. Erich Wallschlaeger's financial oversight is vital for the continued growth and operational success of the Brownwood market.
    Erich Wallschlaeger

    Jory Lee - Chief Operating Officer

    Jory Lee, the Chief Operating Officer at Hendrick Medical Center, spearheads the operational efficiency and effectiveness of the healthcare system's various facilities. This leadership position focuses on optimizing the delivery of services across the medical center, women's center, rehabilitation hospital, and cancer center, ensuring seamless patient experiences and high-quality clinical outcomes. Lee's operational oversight includes managing departmental performance, implementing process improvements, and driving initiatives that enhance patient flow and resource utilization. The Chief Operating Officer plays a crucial role in translating strategic objectives into actionable operational plans, fostering collaboration among clinical and administrative teams. Jory Lee's dedication to operational excellence supports Hendrick Medical Center's commitment to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare throughout the region.
    Jory Lee

    Susan Wade - Vice President, Market (Abilene) & Chief Operating Officer

    Susan Wade, the Vice President, Market (Abilene) & Chief Operating Officer at Hendrick Medical Center, leads operational strategy and market development specifically within the Abilene region. This executive role involves overseeing the integrated operations of the medical center and its associated facilities, ensuring they meet the healthcare needs of the local community. Wade focuses on enhancing service line performance, driving market share growth, and ensuring the highest standards of patient care are consistently delivered. The Vice President, Market (Abilene) & Chief Operating Officer also collaborates with system leadership to align regional objectives with the broader mission of Hendrick Medical Center. Susan Wade's leadership is instrumental in strengthening the hospital's presence and impact in Abilene, Texas, by optimizing resource deployment and fostering strong community relationships.

    Krista Baty - Chief Administrative Officer

    Krista Baty, the Chief Administrative Officer at Hendrick Medical Center, directs key administrative functions that support the organization's operational and strategic objectives. This executive role encompasses oversight of essential administrative departments, ensuring efficient workflow, compliance with regulatory standards, and effective resource management across the medical center and its affiliated entities. Baty focuses on streamlining administrative processes, enhancing interdepartmental communication, and fostering a supportive work environment. The Chief Administrative Officer plays a vital part in implementing policies and procedures that align with Hendrick Medical Center's mission of providing exceptional patient care. Krista Baty's administrative leadership contributes significantly to the overall effectiveness and smooth functioning of the healthcare system.

    Ronald Holder - Chief Administrative Officer, Hendrick Clinic & Hendrick Anesthesia Network

    Ronald Holder, the Chief Administrative Officer, Hendrick Clinic & Hendrick Anesthesia Network at Hendrick Medical Center, leads administrative operations for these specific service lines. This executive position involves managing the day-to-day administrative functions, optimizing operational workflows, and ensuring seamless integration of services within the Hendrick Clinic and Hendrick Anesthesia Network. Holder focuses on enhancing patient access, improving administrative efficiency, and supporting the clinical teams in delivering high-quality patient care. The Chief Administrative Officer, Hendrick Clinic & Hendrick Anesthesia Network collaborates with leadership to implement strategic initiatives that drive growth and operational excellence for these critical components of Hendrick Medical Center. Ronald Holder's administrative expertise is crucial for the effective management and continued success of these specialized healthcare networks.

    Stephen Lowry - Assistant Chief Medical Officer

    Stephen Lowry, the Assistant Chief Medical Officer at Hendrick Medical Center, provides critical medical leadership and supports the Chief Medical Officer in overseeing clinical operations and quality initiatives. This role involves ensuring the highest standards of patient care are met across all medical departments and facilities, including the medical center, women's center, rehabilitation hospital, and cancer center. Lowry contributes to the development and implementation of clinical policies, patient safety protocols, and quality improvement programs. The Assistant Chief Medical Officer plays a key part in physician engagement, medical staff development, and fostering a culture of clinical excellence. Stephen Lowry's medical expertise and leadership are essential for advancing Hendrick Medical Center's commitment to providing outstanding healthcare services to the community.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Hendrick Medical Center Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Hendrick Medical Center?
    Hendrick Medical Center is led by Michael Waters (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Kirk Canada (System Vice President, Chief Operating Officer & Interim President & Chief Executive Officer) and Charles Graham (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Hendrick Medical Center’s executive team?
    The executive team of Hendrick Medical Center includes leaders such as Michael Waters (Chief Executive Officer), Kirk Canada (System Vice President, Chief Operating Officer & Interim President & Chief Executive Officer), Charles Graham (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Hendrick Medical Center have?
    Hendrick Medical Center has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Hendrick Medical Center’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Hendrick Medical Center includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, System Vice President, Chief Operating Officer & Interim President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer (Brownwood), Chief Operating Officer.