VNA is excited to announce that the VNA Board of Directors unanimously appointed Chris Culak, currently serving as Vice President and Chief of Strategy and Development, as the new President and CEO of the organization. Chris will assume the role effective September 1, 2025, after the retirement of Katherine Krause who has served as CEO since 2013. Katherine Krause announced her retirement in February and since that time, an extensive CEO search was conducted by a board committee, resulting in full approval and appointment of the new CEO in July.
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 the real impact on individuals and families, whether it’s a senior struggling with hunger or a patient navigating serious illness, VNA is committed to meeting senior’s needs during some of life’s most vulnerable moments.
“The VNA Board of Directors would like to congratulate and thank Katherine Krause for fifteen years of dedicated service and for leading the organization for the past twelve 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,” says 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 profile of VNA in our community. 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 responsibility including leading the strategic plan vision for the organization and overseeing and expanding the VNA’s Meals on Wheels program.
“I am grateful for the Board’s thorough process in choosing the next President and CEO for the Visiting Nurse Association. I am honored, humbled, and blessed to have the opportunity to lead this impactful, relevant organization into the future. Our patients, clients, staff, and supporters deserve my best efforts and grace, and we will all work together to provide care to our community, enhancing health and wellbeing with compassion, dignity and integrity,” says Chris Culak, incoming President and CEO.
“Chris is a tremendous leader and has demonstrated a passion for serving others throughout his career. He is the perfect person to lead this next chapter of VNA’s story; a story with humble beginnings over ninety years ago, to a dynamic institution serving more than 7,500 senior clients, seriously ill patients, and their families across sixteen counties each day. Chris will embody the organization’s core values, carry forward the best of Katherine’s tenure, and continue to expand the mission and reach of VNA,” says Kevin Eden, VNA Board Chairman.
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 our Meals on Wheels program to meet the growing need of hungry, homebound senior neighbors.
“What makes VNA so great is its purpose since 1934: carrying out our mission with intention and care—day in and day out. I hope I have done my part in carrying out the VNA mission. It has been an honor to lead the Visiting Nurse Association. I’m excited that Chris will lead VNA into a bright and bold future,” says Katherine Krause, outgoing President and CEO.