The Next Chapter: Regenstrief Foundation Announces Future Leadership Transition

The leadership of the Regenstrief Foundation is changing.

Dr. Craig Brater, who has served the Foundation since 2013 and has been its President since 2017, will be retiring at the end of 2027. The Board of Directors of the Foundation is extremely grateful for Dr. Brater’s leadership and we wish him all the best in his retirement.

Though sad to see Dr. Brater go, the Regenstrief Foundation is thrilled to announce that the Board of Directors has selected Christopher M. Callahan, MD, MACP, to serve as the Foundation's next President and Chief Executive Officer.

Dr. Callahan is a nationally respected physician-scientist, healthcare leader, and innovator who has dedicated his career to improving health and healthcare through research, collaboration, and evidence-based decision making. He currently serves as Professor of Medicine at the Indiana University School of Medicine and Chief Research and Development Officer at Eskenazi Health, where he leads efforts to use data and research to advance clinical and strategic excellence.

Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Callahan has demonstrated a deep commitment to improving the care of older adults and strengthening the connections between healthcare systems, families, and communities. He has been a scientist with the Regenstrief Institute since 1991 and previously served more than two decades as the founding Director of the Indiana University Center for Aging Research.

As President and CEO, Dr. Callahan will draw upon that wealth of experience to oversee the next phase of the Foundation's longstanding commitment to advancing research-driven improvements in systems of health care and issues of health equity. He will work closely with the Board, staff, grantee partners, and the broader community to shape the Foundation's future impact. To ensure a seamless leadership transition, Dr. Callahan and Dr. Brater will work closely together for six months before Dr. Brater's retirement from the Foundation, allowing for thoughtful planning and continuity of the Foundation's mission and operations.

Dr. Callahan’s extensive experience across academic medicine, health systems, and research organizations positions him exceptionally well to lead the Foundation into its next chapter.

“It has been both an honor and a pleasure to work with Craig, and I am deeply grateful for all he has done for the Regenstrief Foundation. We are also very fortunate to have Chris follow him as our next President and CEO. I am excited about the leadership Chris will bring and very confident in the Foundation’s future.”

— Dan Appel, Chairman

The Board also extends its deepest gratitude to Dr. Craig Brater for his outstanding leadership and service. Under his guidance, the Foundation has strengthened its mission, expanded its impact, and fostered meaningful partnerships that continue to improve health and healthcare throughout Indiana and beyond. Dr. Brater will be continuing in his role as Vice President of Programs at the Walther Cancer Foundation.

Please join us in thanking Dr. Brater and congratulating Dr. Callahan as he prepares to assume this role in the summer of 2027. We look forward to a thoughtful leadership transition and an exciting future for the Regenstrief Foundation.

Sincerely,
The Board of Directors
Regenstrief Foundation