Children's Health Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Children's Health has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, technology, and administration.

Driven by a commitment to pediatric care, Children's Health provides specialized treatment for complex conditions, impacting the health and well-being of children across the region.

Leadership Roles at Children's Health

  • Chief Executive Officer - Teresa Patton
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Christopher Durovich
  • Executive Administrator to the System President & Chief Executive Officer - Michelle Schmidt
  • Deputy Chief of Staff & Chief Executive Officer, Office of - Sean Tuffnell
  • Chief Financial Officer - Robert Fries
  • Chief Operating Officer - Dane Peterson
  • Director, Office of the Chief Operating Officer - Sehrish Madhani
  • Vice President, Chief of Staff - Office of the Market President - Emilee Gubeno
  • Chief Technology Officer - David Seo
  • Chief of Staff - Shari Damon
  • Teresa Patton - Chief Executive Officer

    Teresa Patton, the Chief Executive Officer at Children's Health, directs the overall strategic vision and operational execution for the pediatric healthcare system. Patton oversees all major divisions, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission to provide exceptional patient care. This leadership role involves guiding the executive team in navigating the complex healthcare landscape, fostering innovation in treatment methodologies, and expanding access to specialized pediatric services. Patton's responsibilities include driving financial sustainability, enhancing patient outcomes, and maintaining the highest standards of clinical excellence across all facilities. The Chief Executive Officer's focus remains on advancing the organization's position as a leading provider of children's health services, ensuring long-term growth and impact. Teresa Patton champions initiatives that improve the quality of life for young patients and their families.

    Christopher Durovich - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Christopher Durovich, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Children's Health, leads the comprehensive strategic direction and executive management of the not-for-profit pediatric healthcare provider. Durovich's purview encompasses all aspects of the organization's operations, from patient care delivery to financial health and community engagement. This critical position involves setting long-term goals, fostering a culture of excellence, and ensuring the system's capacity to meet the evolving needs of children requiring specialized medical attention. The President & Chief Executive Officer works closely with the board and senior leadership to drive growth, implement innovative healthcare solutions, and uphold the organization's commitment to its mission. Christopher Durovich's leadership ensures the continued delivery of high-quality, compassionate care across the Dallas-based healthcare network.
    Christopher Durovich

    Michelle Schmidt - Executive Administrator to the System President & Chief Executive Officer

    Michelle Schmidt, the Executive Administrator to the System President & Chief Executive Officer at Children's Health, provides essential administrative and operational support to the highest levels of leadership. Schmidt manages complex scheduling, coordinates critical communications, and facilitates the smooth functioning of the executive office. This role involves acting as a key liaison between the System President & Chief Executive Officer and other departments, ensuring efficient workflow and timely execution of directives. Michelle Schmidt's support is vital for maintaining organizational momentum and enabling the leadership team to focus on strategic priorities, including patient care advancements and system-wide initiatives. The Executive Administrator's meticulous attention to detail and organizational prowess are fundamental to the effective operation of the executive suite.
    Michelle Schmidt

    Sean Tuffnell - Deputy Chief of Staff & Chief Executive Officer, Office of

    Sean Tuffnell, the Deputy Chief of Staff & Chief Executive Officer, Office of at Children's Health, plays a dual role in supporting executive leadership and driving strategic initiatives within specific organizational offices. Tuffnell assists in coordinating critical projects, managing executive communications, and ensuring the alignment of departmental efforts with the overall strategic goals of Children's Health. This position involves enhancing operational efficiency, facilitating interdepartmental collaboration, and overseeing the execution of key programs designed to improve patient care and organizational performance. The Deputy Chief of Staff's contributions are essential for the effective functioning of the executive suite and the successful implementation of the organization's mission. Sean Tuffnell's leadership ensures that strategic objectives are met with precision and efficiency.

    Robert Fries - Chief Financial Officer

    Robert Fries, the Chief Financial Officer at Children's Health, directs the financial strategy and fiscal management of the pediatric healthcare system. Fries oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, financial planning, revenue cycle management, and investment strategies, ensuring the organization's financial health and sustainability. This critical role involves managing financial risks, optimizing resource allocation, and driving initiatives that support the system's mission of providing high-quality patient care. The Chief Financial Officer works closely with the executive team to ensure financial transparency, compliance, and long-term economic viability. Robert Fries's financial acumen is fundamental to the organization's ability to invest in advanced medical technologies and expand its services to meet the needs of children.
    Robert Fries

    Dane Peterson - Chief Operating Officer

    Dane Peterson, the Chief Operating Officer at Children's Health, directs the day-to-day operational activities and ensures the efficient delivery of pediatric healthcare services across the system. Peterson oversees hospital operations, clinical support services, and facility management, focusing on optimizing patient flow, resource allocation, and operational efficiency. This leadership position is crucial for translating strategic objectives into tangible operational improvements, enhancing patient experiences, and maintaining high standards of care. The Chief Operating Officer is instrumental in implementing best practices, managing operational budgets, and driving initiatives that support the organization's growth and commitment to pediatric excellence. Dane Peterson's operational oversight ensures the seamless functioning of all clinical and administrative departments, directly impacting patient outcomes and organizational performance.
    Dane Peterson

    Sehrish Madhani - Director, Office of the Chief Operating Officer

    Sehrish Madhani, the Director, Office of the Chief Operating Officer at Children's Health, supports the operational leadership in executing strategic initiatives and managing day-to-day administrative functions. Madhani coordinates projects, facilitates communication between departments, and ensures the efficient workflow within the Chief Operating Officer's office. This position is vital for translating operational strategies into actionable plans and monitoring their successful implementation across the healthcare system. The Director's responsibilities include optimizing resource utilization, enhancing operational processes, and supporting the Chief Operating Officer in driving performance improvements. Sehrish Madhani's role is key to maintaining operational excellence and advancing the organization's commitment to providing superior pediatric care.

    Emilee Gubeno - Vice President, Chief of Staff - Office of the Market President

    Emilee Gubeno, the Vice President, Chief of Staff - Office of the Market President at Children's Health, provides comprehensive strategic and operational support to the Market President. Gubeno manages key initiatives, coordinates executive communications, and ensures the efficient execution of plans within the Market President's purview. This role is critical for driving strategic priorities, fostering collaboration across market-specific operations, and enhancing overall organizational effectiveness. The Vice President, Chief of Staff ensures seamless workflow and effective decision-making processes, directly contributing to the market's success in delivering pediatric healthcare services. Emilee Gubeno's leadership is instrumental in aligning market-level activities with the broader organizational mission and strategic objectives.

    David Seo - Chief Technology Officer

    David Seo, the Chief Technology Officer at Children's Health, architects and oversees the organization's technology infrastructure and digital strategy. Seo is responsible for implementing innovative technological solutions that enhance patient care, streamline operations, and support data-driven decision-making. This role involves managing all aspects of information technology, including electronic health records, cybersecurity, data analytics, and digital patient engagement platforms. The Chief Technology Officer drives the adoption of cutting-edge technologies to improve clinical workflows, ensure data security, and foster a connected healthcare ecosystem. David Seo's leadership ensures that Children's Health remains at the forefront of technological advancement in pediatric medicine, supporting both clinical excellence and operational efficiency.

    Shari Damon - Chief of Staff

    Shari Damon, the Chief of Staff at Children's Health, provides strategic support and operational coordination for the executive leadership team, particularly focusing on the System President & Chief Executive Officer. Damon manages key initiatives, facilitates cross-departmental collaboration, and ensures the effective implementation of organizational strategies. This role involves acting as a central point of contact for critical projects, streamlining communication, and driving operational efficiency across various functions. The Chief of Staff plays a pivotal role in translating high-level objectives into actionable plans and monitoring progress to ensure successful outcomes. Shari Damon's contributions are essential for maintaining organizational alignment and advancing the mission of providing exceptional pediatric care.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Children's Health Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Children's Health?
    Children's Health is led by Teresa Patton (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Christopher Durovich (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Michelle Schmidt (Executive Administrator to the System President & Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of Children's Health’s executive team?
    The executive team of Children's Health includes leaders such as Teresa Patton (Chief Executive Officer), Christopher Durovich (President & Chief Executive Officer), Michelle Schmidt (Executive Administrator to the System President & Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Children's Health have?
    Children's Health has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Children's Health’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Children's Health includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Executive Administrator to the System President & Chief Executive Officer, Deputy Chief of Staff & Chief Executive Officer, Office of, Chief Financial Officer.