The Vice President and Chief Pediatric Enterprise Strategy & Business Development Officer serves as a pivotal enterprise leader charged with shaping the future direction of Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital and elevating its pediatric footprint across Tennessee and the broader Southeast. As the architect of the Children’s enterprise strategy, this leader drives growth, competitive differentiation, and clinical excellence at the local, regional, and national levels—translating bold ambitions into disciplined, data‑driven strategic plans.

This leader is responsible for developing and operationalizing a cohesive pediatric enterprise strategy that strengthens Monroe Carell’s competitive position and guides the next era of organizational growth. This includes shaping overarching priorities for the pediatric enterprise, clarifying strategic direction across services and markets, and identifying opportunities that advance clinical excellence, expansion, and long‑term sustainability. The role provides high‑level strategic planning, market assessment, business modeling, and project leadership, while building the analytical frameworks needed to evaluate new initiatives, balance investments, and inform systemwide decision making.

In an environment experiencing rapid growth, intensifying competition, and rising expectations, the Vice President serves as a trusted advisor to senior leadership—bringing structure where ambiguity exists, advancing enterprise-wide initiatives, and ensuring that Children’s strategy is intentional, sequenced, and aligned with both system priorities and community needs. As the President’s strategic right hand, this leader catalyzes innovation, drives cross-functional alignment, and accelerates Monroe Carell’s ascent from a nationally respected institution to a destination pediatric enterprise positioned among the top children’s hospitals in the country.

Vanderbilt Health is the modern expression of Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s century‑long commitment to integrated care, research, and education—now one of the most comprehensive health systems in the Southeast. Bringing together the region’s leading hospitals for adults and children, Vanderbilt Health spans seven hospitals and more than 200 clinics across the region, ensuring that patients have access to world‑class expertise wherever they are. Grounded in the academic strength and innovation of VUMC, Vanderbilt Health delivers nationally recognized care with a deeply personal touch, carrying forward a legacy of excellence while meeting the evolving needs of communities across Tennessee and beyond.

Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s modern era began with the establishment of its first unified medical campus in the early 20th century, when clinical care, research, and medical education were deliberately brought together under one roof. This consolidation marked a major shift from Vanderbilt’s earlier dispersed facilities and set the foundation for the integrated academic medical center model that still defines the institution today.

From its earliest years, the medical center became a hub for innovation—advancing breakthroughs in surgery, neonatology, infectious disease, and clinical research that shaped national standards of care. As Nashville grew and the needs of the region evolved, Vanderbilt expanded steadily, adding new hospitals, specialty centers, research facilities, and outpatient locations. What began as a single building evolved into one of the nation’s most comprehensive and respected health systems.

Today, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) is one of the largest academic medical centers in the Southeastern U.S., with over $8 billion in annual revenues (FY 2025 Budget) and over 40,000 staff members. VUMC operates as a fully independent, nonprofit health system, following the completion of the transaction in 2016 that separated it legally and financially from Vanderbilt University. This successful transition positioned VUMC for future growth and investment, while preserving its tightly woven connections to the geographically contiguous University in research and teaching.

VUMC is governed by its own 11-member Board of Directors, with direct capital market access that allows the Medical Center to compete effectively in Nashville’s dynamic healthcare marketplace. VUMC has led and continues to expand the Vanderbilt Health Affiliated Network, the largest provider-organized network of doctors, regional health systems and other health care providers in Tennessee and surrounding states. VUMC shares Vanderbilt University’s respected name and collaborates closely with the University through education and research. Teaching and research collaboration and connections between the University and the Medical Center remain a strategic priority for both institutions and continue in a seamless manner.

VUMC is a comprehensive academic medical center dedicated to patient care, research, and biomedical education. Its reputation for excellence in these areas has made it a major center for patient referrals and for research awards. Each year, people throughout Tennessee and the Southeast choose VUMC for their health care because of its leadership in medical science and dedication to treating patients with dignity and compassion. VUMC is renowned for innovation, work ethic, and the collegiality of its employees. From health care advances to compassionate care, VUMC owes its accomplishments and reputation to staff and faculty who consistently bring skill, drive, and innovation to their work. World-leading academic departments and comprehensive centers of excellence pursue scientific discoveries and transformational educational and clinical advances across the entire spectrum of health and disease.

VUMC is known not only for its highly acclaimed teaching hospitals, but also for leading innovations in care such as its groundbreaking efforts in developing electronic medical records. Each year, VUMC clinicians provide more than 3.2 million ambulatory visits, perform more than 79,000 surgical procedures, and see 170,000 patients in its emergency rooms. Vanderbilt biomedical scientists in more than 100 laboratories conduct more than close to $1 billion of federal, foundation, and corporately sponsored research each year.

VUMC is comprised of Vanderbilt University Hospital (VUH), Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital, Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital, Vanderbilt Tullahoma-Harton Hospital, Vanderbilt Bedford County Hospital, Vanderbilt Stallworth Rehabilitation Hospital (currently a 50% joint venture with Encompass), representing more than 1,700 inpatient beds. The Vanderbilt Transplant Center, the Vanderbilt Heart and Vascular Institute, and the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center are also VUMC constituent units along with associated on campus and off campus adult and pediatric ambulatory clinics. VUMC Hospitals experience more than 78,000 inpatient admissions and 11,000 observation admissions annually. Supporting this wide range of care are nearly 3000 physicians and nurse practitioners in the Vanderbilt Medical Group and Vanderbilt Integrated Providers, and over 7,000 nurses. In 2006, Vanderbilt achieved designation as Nashville’s first Magnet hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and has continued active Magnet designation.

VUMC also includes Vanderbilt Health Services, holding 16 health care related subsidiaries and joint ventures including Vanderbilt Stallworth Rehabilitation Hospital and the Vanderbilt Health Affiliated Network. VHS operations primarily consist of community physician practices, walk-in and retail health clinics, imaging services, outpatient surgery centers, radiation oncology centers, a home health care agency, a home infusion and respiratory service, an affiliated health network, accountable care organizations, and a rehabilitation hospital. These subsidiaries include clinics managed in multiple outpatient locations throughout middle Tennessee and southwestern Kentucky. Through the Vanderbilt Health Affiliated Network, VUMC collaborates with 68 hospitals and over 6,100 clinicians across Tennessee and five neighboring states to share best practices and bring value-driven and cost-effective healthcare.

Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt is one of the nation’s most respected and mission‑driven pediatric institutions—recognized for its sustained growth, deep community alignment, and longstanding commitment to delivering exceptional care to children and families. Over the past 25 years, it has expanded its clinical capabilities, reputation, and reach in step with Nashville’s rapid evolution, solidifying its position as the premier pediatric provider for the region and a rising leader in children’s health nationally.

Situated within Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), one of the fastest‑growing and most academically robust health systems in the country, Monroe Carell benefits from the scale and sophistication of a major academic enterprise while maintaining its own distinct culture, identity, and community focus. Since 2008, VUMC has grown dramatically in size, reach, and financial strength, creating a stable platform for continued pediatric expansion and innovation.

Today, the hospital is widely regarded as Tennessee’s leading pediatric institution, serving as a trusted referral destination for families seeking high‑quality specialty and subspecialty care. Its ongoing growth reflects both the momentum of the surrounding region and its commitment to advancing access, improving outcomes, and supporting the evolving needs of children and families. Backed by an engaged philanthropic community and a mission‑centered culture, the organization continues to thoughtfully evolve its programs, partnerships, and statewide presence.

As the pediatric landscape becomes more dynamic, Monroe Carell is taking a forward‑looking approach to its long‑term strategy—clarifying priorities, strengthening relationships, and sharpening its statewide role. With a capable, collaborative leadership team and a strong foundation of trust, the hospital is well‑positioned to deepen its impact and advance its standing among leading children’s hospitals nationally.

U.S. News & World Report has named Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt the No. 1 children's hospital in Tennessee, and they continue to share the No. 1 spot in the Southeast. We are ranked nationally in 10 pediatric specialties and are ranked No. 20 in the nation for the first time in 2025-2026.

Their Pediatric Cancer Program is part of the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in Tennessee that treats children and adults with cancer. They offer medical and surgical care under one roof. Their multi-disciplinary approach creates specialized treatments for children at all points in the journey, integrating the family unit. Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s hospital at Vanderbilt, offers clinical trials for common as well as rare and complex cancers in children and adolescents and have a robust survivorship program.

The Pediatric Heart Institute at Vanderbilt specializes in heart surgery and non-surgical care. Theirs is one of the most-experienced pediatric heart transplant programs in the nation. As platinum sponsors of the Fetal Heart Society and pioneers in fetal cardiology innovation, they are a research-intensive team driven to improve patient care.

They care for more than 3,000 children with diabetes from Tennessee and eight surrounding states. This makes them one of the most experienced programs in the country. In addition to diabetes, they treat children with all disorders of the endocrine system, including adrenal and pituitary gland disease, thyroid disease and disorders of puberty, growth, bone and calcium use.

Their Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition program is the most experienced in the Southeast. We offer specialized clinics in functional gastrointestinal disorders, C. difficile and dysbiosis, constipation and bowel movement, and inflammatory bowel disease, among others. Care plans consider all options from diet to surgery.

The Mildred Stahlman Division of Neonatology is ranked among the top programs in the nation for the care of critically ill newborns and premature babies. In fact, Vanderbilt developed the first Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in the early 1960s. They care for more than 1,400 babies in their NICU each year.

The Nephrology and Hypertension Program for children with kidney disease. Treatments include dialysis renal replacement therapy and therapeutic apheresis. Vanderbilt has performed kidney transplants in children for over 60 years. They also care for children with hypertension (high blood pressure) and kidney stones.

The Pediatric Neurology and Neurosurgery programs provide advanced care for children with complex neurologic conditions, supported by highly specialized expertise and leading surgical capabilities. The team performs some of the most sophisticated pediatric procedures in the region and is the only program in Tennessee offering selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) for cerebral palsy.

Vanderbilt Orthopaedics is Tennessee’s leading provider of orthopaedic care. They treat patients with complex fractures, sports injuries, bone deformities, scoliosis, bone infections and other conditions. Their unique Youth Sports Health Center refers young athletes to pediatric specialists across Vanderbilt to help them safely return to play.

The Pulmonary Medicine Program at Monroe Carell provides expertise in childhood breathing disorders. These include aerodigestive disorders, asthma, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), cystic fibrosis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, primary ciliary dyskinesia, pulmonary hypertension, rare lung disease and sleep disorders.

Their nationally ranked Pediatric Urology team at meets the unique needs of children with urinary tract and reproductive organ problems. Their care ranges from simple in-office procedures to the most complex reconstructive surgery. They’re national leaders in the treatment of spina bifida including leading the Management of Myelomeningocele (MOMS) trial of fetal surgery and as a nationally named spina bifida center of excellence (Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, CDC).

The Pediatric Enterprise Chief Strategy Officer must possess a combination of education, experience and leadership qualifications to successfully manage the responsibilities required for this position. The ideal candidate will have the following professional qualifications required for the role.

▪Lead the enterprise business planning process, partnering closely with executive leadership to shape, refine, and execute strategic growth priorities for the pediatric enterprise.

▪Provide forward‑looking strategic insight, ensuring plans reflect market conditions, organizational capabilities, and long‑term system goals.

▪Align strategic initiatives across clinical, operational, and business domains, ensuring coordination with broader health system priorities.

▪Champion a disciplined approach to Continuous Improvement and Innovation, applying structured methodologies to assess challenges, identify root causes, and design effective interventions.

▪Embed a culture of proactive problem‑solving, ensuring that strategic and operational projects incorporate clear objectives, measurable outcomes, and systematic evaluation.

▪Develop compelling partnership models and business cases, including market scans, financial projections, structural options, and risk evaluations.

▪Support enterprise growth by identifying, assessing, and shaping strategic partnerships, collaborations, and new market opportunities.

▪Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, offering insights on the performance of existing partnerships and recommendations for expansion, refinement, or strategic repositioning.

▪Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of key strategic projects, ensuring clarity of goals, timelines, and success metrics.

▪Facilitate effective transfer of knowledge across teams, enabling smooth handoffs, sustained adoption, and long-term operational ownership of strategic initiatives.

▪Ensure cross‑functional coordination, helping clinical, operational, and administrative leaders stay aligned on expectations and progress.

•Establish reliable reporting tools, dashboards, and performance mechanisms to evaluate progress against strategic goals, projected outcomes, and cost/benefit expectations.

•Provide executive‑level performance insights, enabling leadership to make informed, timely decisions regarding investment, prioritization, and resource allocation.

•Maintain an enterprise view of portfolio performance, ensuring visibility into project status, risks, and alignment with overall strategy.

The successful Pediatric Enterprise Chief Strategy Officer will make meaningful progress in accomplishing the following goals and objectives in the first 12-18 months:

•Deliver a unified, data‑driven pediatric enterprise strategy that sets clear priorities, articulates the future vision, and provides a structured roadmap for growth.

•Identify and pressure‑test 3–5 high‑value opportunities that strengthen Monroe Carell’s statewide role, expand access, and elevate key programs.

•Launch a focused portfolio of priority initiatives with approved business cases, defined KPIs, and clear ownership for execution.

•Establish a more disciplined strategy culture, shifting the organization from reactive planning to proactive, coordinated, enterprise‑wide decision‑making.

•Build broad alignment and confidence across stakeholders and the Board, ensuring shared understanding of priorities, progress, and long‑term direction

A Master's degree in business, healthcare administration or related field is required

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Korn Ferry shall provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified candidates, and will refer candidates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected basis. Artificial Intelligence tools may be used in connection with the recruitment process for this position.