Hendrick Medical Center Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by a commitment to patient care, Hendrick Medical Center operates a comprehensive network of facilities, including a medical center, women's center, rehabilitation hospital, and cancer center, impacting healthcare 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
  • Assistant Chief Medical Officer - Stephen Lowry
  • Chief Administrative Officer, Hendrick Clinic & Hendrick Anesthesia Network - Ronald Holder
  • Michael Waters - Chief Executive Officer

    Michael Waters, the Chief Executive Officer at Hendrick Medical Center, directs the overarching strategy 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 patient care and community health, driving initiatives that enhance service delivery and operational efficiency. The Chief Executive Officer's purview extends to fostering a culture of excellence and innovation throughout the organization, positioning Hendrick Medical Center for sustained growth and impact in the Abilene, Texas region. Michael Waters's strategic vision is critical for navigating the evolving healthcare landscape and maintaining the center's commitment to high-quality patient outcomes.

    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 the day-to-day operational management and strategic implementation across the healthcare system. This multifaceted role involves overseeing the integrated functions of the medical center, women's center, rehabilitation hospital, and cancer center, ensuring seamless service delivery and resource allocation. Canada's leadership drives operational excellence, focusing on optimizing patient flow, enhancing clinical workflows, and maintaining high standards of care. The System Vice President, Chief Operating Officer & Interim President & Chief Executive Officer also plays a crucial part in strategic planning and interim executive leadership, bridging operational execution with executive direction. Kirk Canada's comprehensive oversight ensures the effective functioning of all Hendrick Medical Center's facilities, supporting its mission within Abilene, Texas.
    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 critical role involves managing budgets, financial planning, revenue cycle management, and ensuring the financial health of the medical center, women's center, rehabilitation hospital, and cancer center. Graham's leadership ensures robust financial controls and compliance with healthcare regulations, supporting the organization's mission of providing accessible and high-quality patient care. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities include optimizing financial performance, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and securing funding for strategic initiatives and capital investments. Charles Graham's expertise is vital for the sustained operational capacity and growth of Hendrick Medical Center, underpinning its ability to serve the Abilene, Texas community effectively.

    Erich Wallschlaeger - Chief Financial Officer (Brownwood)

    Erich Wallschlaeger, the Chief Financial Officer (Brownwood) at Hendrick Medical Center, manages the financial operations and fiscal health specifically for the Brownwood market and associated facilities. This role ensures sound financial practices, budget adherence, and revenue cycle optimization within the region, supporting the broader financial strategy of Hendrick Medical Center. Wallschlaeger's responsibilities include financial planning, analysis, and reporting, contributing to the sustainable delivery of healthcare services. The Chief Financial Officer (Brownwood) plays a key part in maintaining financial stability and supporting growth initiatives in the Brownwood area. Erich Wallschlaeger's dedicated financial leadership ensures the effective allocation of resources and the continued provision of quality care in the region.
    Erich Wallschlaeger

    Jory Lee - Chief Operating Officer

    Jory Lee, the Chief Operating Officer at Hendrick Medical Center, oversees the operational efficiency and effectiveness of the healthcare system's core services. This position involves managing the day-to-day activities of the medical center, women's center, rehabilitation hospital, and cancer center, ensuring optimal patient care delivery and resource utilization. Lee's focus is on streamlining processes, enhancing patient experience, and driving operational improvements across all departments. The Chief Operating Officer collaborates with other executive leaders to implement strategic initiatives that support the organization's growth and commitment to community health. Jory Lee's leadership ensures that Hendrick Medical Center's facilities operate at peak performance, contributing directly to its reputation for quality healthcare in Abilene, Texas.
    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, directs market-specific operational strategies and oversees key functions within the Abilene area. This role integrates market dynamics with operational execution, ensuring the medical center, women's center, rehabilitation hospital, and cancer center effectively meet the needs of the local community. Wade's leadership focuses on enhancing patient access, service line development, and operational performance tailored to the Abilene market. The Vice President, Market (Abilene) & Chief Operating Officer collaborates with regional stakeholders to drive growth and maintain high standards of care. Susan Wade's dual focus on market strategy and operational oversight is essential for Hendrick Medical Center's continued success and community engagement in Abilene, Texas.

    Krista Baty - Chief Administrative Officer

    Krista Baty, the Chief Administrative Officer at Hendrick Medical Center, oversees critical administrative functions that support the organization's operational and strategic objectives. This leadership position involves managing key support services, ensuring efficient workflows, and facilitating effective communication across departments. Baty's role is integral to the smooth functioning of the medical center, women's center, rehabilitation hospital, and cancer center, focusing on optimizing administrative processes and resource management. The Chief Administrative Officer collaborates with executive leadership to implement policies and procedures that enhance organizational effectiveness and patient care. Krista Baty's administrative expertise is vital for maintaining the operational integrity and strategic alignment of Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene, Texas.

    Stephen Lowry - Assistant Chief Medical Officer

    Stephen Lowry, the Assistant Chief Medical Officer at Hendrick Medical Center, supports the Chief Medical Officer in guiding clinical operations and ensuring the highest standards of patient care. This role involves direct involvement in clinical quality initiatives, physician engagement, and the implementation of evidence-based medical practices across the healthcare system. Lowry's leadership focuses on enhancing patient safety, improving clinical outcomes, and fostering a collaborative environment for medical staff. The Assistant Chief Medical Officer plays a crucial part in the strategic direction of clinical services, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission and values. Stephen Lowry's medical expertise is essential for maintaining the clinical excellence of Hendrick Medical Center's facilities in Abilene, Texas.

    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, directs administrative operations for these specific service lines. This role focuses on optimizing the efficiency and effectiveness of clinic operations and anesthesia services, ensuring seamless patient experiences and robust support for medical professionals. Holder's leadership drives administrative excellence, managing resources and implementing strategies to enhance service delivery within the clinic and anesthesia network. The Chief Administrative Officer, Hendrick Clinic & Hendrick Anesthesia Network collaborates with clinical leadership to align administrative functions with patient care goals. Ronald Holder's dedicated administrative oversight is critical for the success and growth of Hendrick Clinic and the Anesthesia Network in Abilene, Texas.

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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.