Dallas County Medical Society Announces Esteemed Co-Chairs for 2025 Presidential Gala
The Dallas County Medical Society (DCMS) is honored to announce Dr. Winfred Parnell and Mrs. Deborah Parnell, alongside Mr. David Tesmer and Mrs. Kristin Tesmer, as co-chairs of the 2025 DCMS Presidential Gala. This distinguished evening—set for Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM at the historic Hall of State within the George W. Bush Presidential Center—will serve as a cornerstone event celebrating leadership, medical excellence, and community impact in North Texas.
More than just a formal gathering, the Gala will be a dynamic showcase of the values that define the Dallas medical community: innovation, service, collaboration, and unwavering dedication to public health. The evening will feature the official installation of Dr. Gates Colbert as the 143rd President of DCMS, the presentation of prestigious awards recognizing outstanding contributions to medicine and public service, captivating live entertainment, and both silent and live auctions. All proceeds will directly benefit the Dallas County Medical Society Foundation, which supports initiatives aimed at advancing healthcare access, education, and equity throughout Dallas County.
A Legacy of Leadership: The Parnells
Dr. Winfred Parnell stands as a pillar of the Dallas healthcare landscape. A board-certified physician and nationally recognized authority on healthcare governance, Dr. Parnell has been an active and influential member of DCMS for over four decades. His career reflects a rare blend of clinical expertise, administrative acumen, and public policy engagement.
He co-founded a highly respected OB-GYN practice that continues to provide compassionate, high-quality care to thousands of women annually. His leadership extended into hospital administration, where he served as President of the Medical Staff and Chairman of the Department of Surgery at Medical City Hospital Dallas. Perhaps most notably, Dr. Parnell’s tenure as Chairman of the Board for Parkland Health and Hospital System marked a transformative era for the institution. Under his guidance, Parkland navigated a pivotal regulatory transition and implemented a governance model that became a national benchmark for quality, transparency, and accountability in public healthcare systems.
Beyond the local sphere, Dr. Parnell’s influence has reached state and federal levels. He has served as a delegate to the Texas Medical Association (TMA) and actively lobbied on behalf of physicians and patients. His expertise was further recognized when he was appointed to President Barack Obama’s healthcare policy committee, where he represented Texas at the White House, contributing to national conversations on healthcare reform and equity.
Complementing his work is his wife, Deborah Parnell, a licensed dietitian, nutritionist, and International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). With a 32-year career dedicated to maternal and child health through the City of Dallas WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Program, Mrs. Parnell has touched countless lives by ensuring vulnerable families receive the nutritional support they need. Today, she serves as President of the Dallas County Medical Society Alliance Foundation, where she champions health education, community outreach, and wellness initiatives.
Together, the Parnells embody a shared vision of service. “This Gala is more than a celebration—it’s a reflection of the values we hold dear: service, leadership, and community,” they said. “We’re proud to support DCMS and its mission to elevate healthcare in Dallas County.”
Champions of Community Health: The Tesmers
Joining the Parnells as co-chairs are David and Kristin Tesmer—two leaders whose careers have been defined by a commitment to improving health outcomes through policy, education, and strategic collaboration.
David Tesmer, Chief Community and Public Policy Officer at Texas Health Resources, brings over 35 years of experience in public policy, stakeholder engagement, and community health strategy. Under his leadership, Texas Health has earned national acclaim for its innovative approaches to community benefit and population health. His work has not only strengthened local health systems but also positioned Texas Health as a model for sustainable, equitable care. His contributions have been recognized globally, including with the United Nations Global Leadership Award for Sustainable Development in Good Health and Well-being. David also serves in leadership roles across regional and national healthcare organizations and is a sought-after speaker at universities throughout Texas.
Kristin Tesmer, JD, MBA, FACHE, combines legal expertise, executive leadership, and academic insight to drive systemic change. As an Assistant Professor of Practice at Texas Christian University’s Neeley School of Business, she mentors the next generation of healthcare leaders while drawing on her extensive background in health law, nonprofit management, and health system strategy. Her career includes leading multi-million-dollar regional collaborations focused on strengthening the healthcare safety net and improving health outcomes for underserved populations. Notably, her efforts have secured over $10 million in grant funding to support local physicians, health systems, and community-based organizations.
The Tesmers’ partnership—both personal and professional—has been instrumental in advancing health equity across North Texas. “We are honored to serve as co-chairs for this year’s Gala,” they shared. “DCMS represents the heart of our medical community, and this event is a powerful way to celebrate the people and partnerships that make Dallas a healthier place for all.”
A Gala with Purpose
Jon Roth, CEO and Executive Vice President of DCMS, expressed deep appreciation for the leadership of both couples. “We are thrilled to have such incredible pillars of the DFW community in Dr. and Mrs. Parnell and Mr. and Mrs. Tesmer lead this year’s Gala,” Roth said. “Their combined experience and passion for healthcare and community service embody the spirit of DCMS. With their leadership, this event promises to be one of the most memorable in our history.”
The 2025 Presidential Gala is more than an evening of elegance—it is a catalyst for change. Funds raised will empower the DCMS Foundation to expand programs that address social determinants of health, support physician wellness, enhance medical education, and promote health equity across Dallas County.
How to Get Involved
The Gala welcomes participation from individuals, organizations, and community partners who share DCMS’s commitment to a healthier Dallas. There are several meaningful ways to contribute:
- Sponsorship Opportunities: Organizations can demonstrate their support for healthcare leadership and community impact through various sponsorship tiers, each offering prominent recognition and engagement benefits.
- Table Reservations: Practices, corporations, and community groups are encouraged to reserve tables for colleagues, clients, or friends. Tables are available for purchase immediately.
- Individual Tickets: Community members and healthcare professionals are invited to attend as individual guests. Standard ticket pricing is available through Friday, November 28, 2025.
- Auction Donations: Supporters can help make the Gala unforgettable by contributing items or experiences for the silent and live auctions—everything from luxury getaways and fine dining to unique healthcare-related experiences. All auction proceeds directly benefit the DCMS Foundation’s mission.
As Dallas continues to grow and evolve, the need for strong, collaborative healthcare leadership has never been greater. The 2025 DCMS Presidential Gala offers a powerful opportunity to celebrate those who lead with integrity, serve with compassion, and innovate with purpose. With the Parnells and Tesmers at the helm, this year’s event promises not only an evening of inspiration but also a lasting impact on the health of our community for years to come.
