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St. David's CEO David Huffstutler to Retire in March 2027

The long-time leader will remain in his role until the spring as HCA Healthcare conducts a search for his successor.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Healthcare

Isometric editorial illustration of a modern administrative facility, representing the institutional leadership transition within the St. David's health system.
St. David's HealthCare President and CEO David Huffstutler will retire in March 2027, as HCA Healthcare begins a search for his successor. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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St. David's HealthCare president and CEO David Huffstutler will retire in March 2027, marking the end of a tenure leading one of the largest health systems in Central Texas. HCA Healthcare, the parent organization, is currently searching for a successor to oversee the system's 13,200 employees.

Why it matters

The transition marks a leadership change for a network that operates more than 200 care sites across the region. With the search for a new executive underway, residents will soon see how the system's strategic direction evolves under new leadership.

St. David's HealthCare manages 13,200 employees across more than 200 sites in Central Texas, including nine hospitals and 39 urgent care clinics. The HCA Healthcare board expects to name a successor to the departing CEO in the coming months.

The players

David Huffstutler

He is the current president and CEO of St. David's HealthCare who will retire in March 2027.

St. David's HealthCare

This health system operates more than 200 sites across Central Texas in partnership with HCA Healthcare.

HCA Healthcare

Based in Nashville, this organization is a partner in the health system and is leading the search for a new CEO.

The details

David Huffstutler joined the system in 2007 as CEO of St. David's Medical Center before moving into his current role as president and CEO in February 2011. The system is a partnership between HCA Healthcare, St. David's Foundation, and Georgetown Health Foundation. HCA Healthcare is currently leading a nationwide search for the next executive, though no specific candidate names have been released.

Timeline

  1. David Huffstutler joined St. David's Medical Center in 2007.

  2. He assumed his current role in February 2011.

  3. Retirement plans were publicly announced on October 15, 2026.

  4. David Huffstutler will officially retire in March 2027.

The Texas Context

This transition marks the end of the leadership era that began with the 2011 appointment of David Huffstutler as CEO. The search for a new executive follows the standard partnership protocols between HCA Healthcare and the local foundations.

Patients and employees should expect a transition period as a new leader is named in the coming months. Operations at all nine local hospitals and clinics will continue under the current executive leadership through March 2027.

The takeaway

The system will remain under its current leadership until the spring of 2027. Residents and staff should watch for a board announcement regarding the new CEO selection in the next few months.

Further reading

For more news on regional medical systems, visit the Healthcare section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Becker's Hospital Review | Healthcare News & Analysis.

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Do you trust the upcoming leadership transition to maintain the quality of local healthcare services?