Parkland names Brad Nitschke Chief Legal Officer
Experienced healthcare attorney to lead legal strategy for public health system
Parkland Health has named Brad Nitschke, JD, Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, bringing extensive legal expertise and strategic leadership to one of the nation’s largest public health systems.
In this role, Nitschke will oversee all legal affairs for Parkland Health, leading teams responsible for legal services, risk management, and records and information management. He will serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, helping guide the organization through an increasingly complex healthcare and regulatory environment while supporting its mission to provide high-quality care to the residents of Dallas County.
“Brad brings a deep understanding of the law and how it intersects with the complexity of a public health system like Parkland,” said Fred Cerise, MD, President and Chief Executive Officer of Parkland Health. “He is a trusted advisor and a strong leader who approaches challenges with both rigor and thoughtfulness. His ability to navigate complex legal issues while keeping our mission and patients at the center will be invaluable to our organization.”
Nitschke was named Parkland’s Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel in March 2026 and has been instrumental in supporting the system’s operational and regulatory priorities since joining the organization in August 2021 as Associate General Counsel for Operations and Regulatory matters.
Prior to joining Parkland, Nitschke was a trial and investigations partner at a Texas-based law firm, where he advised healthcare, nonprofit, and other highly regulated organizations. His work focused on helping clients manage risk in day-to-day operations, navigate sensitive internal and personnel matters, and respond strategically to complex disputes and emerging threats.
A committed community leader, Nitschke has served in leadership roles on the boards of the Equality Texas Foundation, Forefront Living, and the Dallas Housing Finance Corporation. He is a Life Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation and a Fellow of the Dallas Bar Foundation and has been recognized by the Association of Corporate Counsel, Texas Lawbook, D CEO and Super Lawyers.
A proud Dallas native with deep roots in Oak Cliff, Nitschke earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Texas A&M University and a Juris Doctor, with honors, from The University of Texas School of Law.
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