ETMC Foundation Appoints Christie Atwood

**Christie Lee Atwood Appointed President of East Texas Medical Center Foundation**

Tyler, TX – Christie Lee Atwood has been named the new President of the East Texas Medical Center (ETMC) Foundation, with the official announcement made yesterday, January 8, 2026. Atwood will lead the philanthropic efforts for the prominent regional healthcare organization, which operates from its offices on South Fleishel Avenue in Tyler.

Atwood brings extensive experience in community engagement and development to her new role. For nearly eight years, she served as the Executive Director for the Smith County Children's Fund, where she was instrumental in expanding vital outreach programs across the region. Prior to that, Atwood held a development position at the UT Tyler Health Science Center.

She succeeds Dr. Marcus Chen, who is retiring after fifteen years leading the ETMC Foundation. Atwood has already outlined key initiatives for her tenure, including plans to launch a major capital campaign by early April 2026, aimed at significantly expanding pediatric services within the community. Additionally, she intends to introduce new preventative health initiatives by the fall.

"I'm incredibly honored to serve the community in this new capacity and continue ETMC's legacy of excellence in healthcare," Atwood stated. "My goal is to strengthen our partnerships and ensure top-tier medical care is accessible to everyone in East Texas."

For more information about the ETMC Foundation, please visit www.ETMCFoundation.org.