David E. Krause has served as president and chief executive officer for Parkland Foundation since June 2005. Krause follows the 25 year legacy set by his predecessor Barbara Lord Watkins, who retired in June of that same year.

Krause's experience and expertise in working with hospital foundations span two decades. He was executive director of Highlands Medical Foundation from 1986 until 1987. From 1987 until 1995, Krause served at Baylor Health Care System Foundation in many capacities including chief operating officer and planning and donor relations director and finished his illustrious career as vice president. He joined Children's Medical Center Dallas in 1996 as senior vice president for development.

Krause graduated from Valparaiso University in 1970 with a bachelor of arts degree. He received a masters degree in divinity from Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago in 1974 and a doctorate of ministry from Christ Seminary-Seminex in St. Louis. He served as the director of development at Christ Seminary-Seminex from 1979 until 1984 and was the executive director of the Association of Evangelical Lutheran Church from 1984 until 1986.