Visiting Nurse Association of Texas, the non-profit community health care provide known best for its hospice and palliative care services and Meals on Wheels, announced that Chris Culak has been named President and CEO of the organization.
Chris, who joined VNA in 2015, was unanimously appointed by the VNA Board of Directors and will assume the role Sept. 1, 2025. Chris currently serves as Vice President and Chief of Strategy and Development. Chris succeeds Katherine Krause who announced her retirement in February and has served as CEO since 2013.
During Katherine’s tenure at VNA, the organization saw a 65% increase in meals delivered to food-insecure seniors and more than a 200% growth in patients served through the hospice program. These remarkable milestones reflect a real impact on individuals and families.
“The VNA Board of Directors would like to congratulate and thank Katherine Krause for 15 years of dedicated service and for leading the organization for the past 12 years as CEO. Though Katherine would be the first to say that VNA’s impact is the result of dozens of community partnerships, hundreds of employees, and thousands of volunteers (all true), we want to recognize her leadership in leveraging our collective efforts to have the greatest impact for those we serve,” said Kevin Eden, VNA Board Chairman.
Since coming to VNA 10 years ago as Chief Development Officer, Chris has led the transformation of the development department to become a fundraising powerhouse raising the community profile of VNA. In the past year, he and his team raised more than $10 million in support of VNA programs. Over time, he has taken on increasing responsibilities, including leading the strategic plan vision for the organization and overseeing and expanding the VNA’s Meals on Wheels program.
Chris will lead an experienced team to further the many important opportunities in VNA’s future, including VNA establishing the first and only Hospice House in North Texas — a residential facility designed for seriously ill individuals who cannot safely receive hospice care at home due to housing insecurity, lack of caregiver support, or the absence of utilities and basic resources. Continued expansion of clinical services in North Texas, including growth in the pediatric hospice program is underway. Additionally, Chris will continue advocating for government and community support of the Meals on Wheels program to meet the growing needs of hungry, homebound senior neighbors.
On a personal note, I served on the VNA Texas Board of Directors from 2017-2023 and currently serve on the Board of Directors for the VNA Texas Foundation. I have served on many boards and have worked with many non profit organizations and even worked at one. The leadership at VNA Texas is second to none. Katherine Krause is a powerhouse leader, serving with compassion, kindness, and determination. Though we will miss Katherine personally, the agency and the thousands of people who benefit from the services VNA provides are in excellent hands with Chris’ leadership.
Congratulations, Chris!