David J. Tesmer

David J. Tesmer, M.P.A., is the chief community and public policy officer for Texas Health Resources. Since joining the organization in 1995, he has been responsible for providing strategic direction and management in the areas of public policy, stakeholder relations, faith and spirituality integration, community health improvement and North Texas Healthy Communities (Blue Zones Project Fort WorthTM).

With more than 25 years of experience in public policy and stakeholder relations, Tesmer has held a variety of key leadership positions at the local, state and national level including director emeritus and past chair of the North Texas Commission. He is also past chair of the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce and Texas Hospital Association (THA) Political Action Committee (PAC). He currently serves as chairman of the Government Affairs Committee of Premier Inc. and is a member of the American Hospital Association’s (AHA) Multi-Hospital Policy Committee and Texas 2036 Health Policy Workgroup. In addition, Tesmer serves on the Advocacy Committee of the Trauma Center Association of America.

Tesmer earned both his undergraduate degree in political science and master’s degree in public administration from Texas Tech University.

He has been recognized by Premier, AHA and THA for his outstanding advocacy efforts by receiving the Excellence in Advocacy Award, Most Valuable PAC Player and HOSPAC Star Award. In addition, Tesmer was awarded the United Nations Global Leadership Award for Sustainable Development for Good Health and Wellbeing.