Sandra L. Fenwick Named Next Chief Executive Officer and President of Boston Children's Hospital

BOSTON, Nov. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Board of Trustees of Boston Children's Hospital announced today the selection of Sandra L. Fenwick, President and Chief Operating Officer of Boston Children's Hospital, as the hospital's next Chief Executive Officer and President. 

Fenwick will step into the role currently held by CEO James Mandell, MD, who is retiring at the end of September 2013 after 13 years as the hospital's chief executive and a 35-year association with Boston Children's as a pediatric urologist. She will be the first woman to lead the hospital in this capacity in its 143-year history.

"Sandi's selection is recognition of her leadership in assuring Boston Children's Hospital's position as the nation's preeminent pediatric hospital and research center," said Mandell. "Her dedication to clinical quality and safety, as well as research and innovation, has earned her the respect of the health care community at large and the admiration of all at Boston Children's."

"Sandi and Jim have been incredible partners over the last 13 years, and she has the confidence of the Board and the hospital's leadership team to extend Boston Children's exceptional care in our region and expand that reputation around the world," said Stephen Karp, chair of Boston Children's board of trustees. "Sandi keenly understands the challenges facing the health care market and has the vision to lead Boston Children's drive to transform pediatric care. She is the perfect candidate."

In her new role, Fenwick will build on the institution's leadership in advancing pediatric health care locally, regionally and nationally. She will continue to work closely with Boston Children's clinicians to improve the effectiveness and efficacy of care and promote clinical excellence while at the same time tackling the cost of care. Investments in basic, translational and clinical research on pediatric and adult disease and global health remain a top priority as the leading pediatric research center in the nation.

"I'm proud to build on Jim's legacy and continue the efforts that we've worked on together," Fenwick said. "I'm honored by the Board's confidence and humbled by my responsibility to every family and patient who is cared for by Boston Children's clinicians and staff."

"As the top pediatric hospital in the nation, we have a responsibility to drive innovation and spur research breakthroughs to improve child health," she continued. "One of my top priorities will be to create opportunities that help unleash our culture of innovation and relentless pursuit of excellence."

Fenwick helped Boston Children's regain solid financial and operational footing, playing an integral role in developing the business plan that transformed an $80 million operating loss into the position of strength that makes it Baron's highest rated Boston hospital based on finances.

Under Fenwick's leadership, Boston Children's has also kept its cost growth below medical inflation and worked with Massachusetts' insurers to lower rates and reduce prices to help make care more affordable for employers and families over the last several years.  In addition, she is guiding Boston Children's efforts to make its services more accessible in the communities surrounding Boston by strengthening and growing the hospital's community of care network.

Fenwick joined Boston Children's Hospital in June of 1999 as Senior Vice President for Business Development, Strategy and Ambulatory Care Operations. She was appointed COO in November 1999 and President in October 2008. Prior to her arrival at Boston Children's, Fenwick worked for 20 years in healthcare administration and strategic planning at Beth Israel Hospital and CareGroup, Inc.

She holds a Bachelor's degree from Simmons College with distinction and a Masters in Public Health degree in Health Services Administration from the University of Texas School of Public Health.  She received a Doctor of Science, honoris causa, from Pine Manor College in 2001, a 2006 Champion in Healthcare award from the Boston Business Journal and a 2007 Pinnacle Award from the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. 

Founded in 1869 as a 20-bed hospital for children, Boston Children's Hospital is the primary pediatric teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School and the largest provider of health care to Massachusetts children. In addition to 395 pediatric and adolescent inpatient beds and 228 outpatient programs, Boston Children's houses the world's largest research enterprise based at a pediatric medical center, where its discoveries benefit both children and adults. More than 1,100 scientists, including nine members of the National Academy of Sciences, 11 members of the Institute of Medicine and nine members of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute comprise Boston Children's research community. For more information about the hospital visit: www.childrenshospital.org/newsroom.

Contact:
Rob Graham
Boston Children's Hospital
617-919-3110
[email protected]

SOURCE Boston Children's Hospital