The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) announced that Madeline Bell, MS, formerly President and Chief Operating Officer, has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer and will succeed Steven M. Altschuler, MD, as CEO. The transition of leadership was completed on July 1, 2015.
“I am very pleased that Madeline will succeed me as CEO of CHOP,” said Dr. Altschuler. “Her years of experience made her the ideal choice to lead this wonderful organization.… I wish Madeline every success in the years to come and stand ready to assist her in any way I can,” he said.
“The opportunity to lead this organization during such a dynamic and changing time in health care is exciting. I will do all I can, with the help of a skilled and dedicated team, to ensure that The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s reputation for preeminence in pediatric health care and commitment to the mission endures long into the future,” Ms. Bell said.
The appointment of Ms. Bell as CEO was the result of a multiyear succession planning process, conducted in anticipation of Dr. Altschuler’s retirement. Appointed in April 2000, Dr. Altschuler completed 15 years of service as CEO upon his retirement.
Early Career
Ms. Bell began her career as a pediatric nurse at CHOP in 1983, later leaving the organization to move into hospital administration. She returned to CHOP in 1995 to head Home Care and Case Management and since that time has held a number of leadership positions, eventually advancing to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in 2007. In 2010, she assumed the title of President and Chief Operating Officer.
A mission-driven leader recognized for hospital operational excellence, Ms. Bell has made numerous contributions to CHOP, including the development of the largest pediatric ambulatory network in the country, the implementation of a single-platform electronic health record, the expansion of a 4 million–square foot campus, and the development of numerous nationally recognized clinical and family-centered care programs. ■
