Children's Health Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by a commitment to pediatric excellence, Children's Health provides comprehensive patient care, from routine check-ups to specialized treatments for complex conditions, impacting the health and well-being of children across Texas.

Leadership Roles at Children's Health

  • Chief Executive Officer - Teresa Patton
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Christopher Durovich
  • Chief Financial Officer - Robert Fries
  • Chief Operating Officer - Dane Peterson
  • Director, Office of the Chief Operating Officer - Sehrish Madhani
  • Chief Technology Officer - David Seo
  • Chief of Staff - Shari Damon
  • Vice President Chief of Staff - John Buswold
  • Executive Administrator To Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer - Jill Epperson
  • Vice President, Chief of Staff - J.C. Buswold
  • 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. This leadership role involves guiding the organization's mission to provide exceptional patient care, foster medical innovation, and ensure financial sustainability. Patton oversees all major departments, aligning their efforts with the company's core objectives of advancing child health. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities extend to fostering key relationships with stakeholders, including medical professionals, community leaders, and governing bodies, to enhance the organization's impact and reach. Teresa Patton drives the strategic direction for patient services, ensuring the delivery of specialized treatments in areas like heart disease and hematology-oncology, directly supporting the organization's commitment to comprehensive pediatric care.

    Christopher Durovich - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Christopher Durovich, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Children's Health, spearheads the organization's comprehensive strategic planning and executive leadership. This pivotal role involves setting the long-term vision for pediatric healthcare services, ensuring alignment across all operational facets, and driving growth initiatives. Durovich oversees the integration of patient care, research, and community outreach programs, reinforcing the not-for-profit mission. The President & Chief Executive Officer's purview includes cultivating essential partnerships and advocating for advancements in pediatric medicine. Christopher Durovich guides the executive team in navigating the complex healthcare landscape, ensuring Children's Health remains at the forefront of delivering specialized treatments and innovative care to children across the region.
    Christopher Durovich

    Robert Fries - Chief Financial Officer

    Robert Fries, the Chief Financial Officer at Children's Health, oversees the organization's financial strategy, planning, and management to ensure fiscal health and sustainability. This critical role involves managing all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, revenue cycle management, and investment strategies. Fries ensures robust financial controls are in place, safeguarding the organization's assets and optimizing resource allocation for patient care and growth initiatives. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to financial reporting, compliance with regulatory requirements, and securing funding to support the not-for-profit mission. Robert Fries provides essential financial leadership, enabling Children's Health to continue its vital work in providing specialized pediatric treatments and advancing child health.
    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 seamless delivery of pediatric healthcare services across the system. This executive role involves optimizing hospital operations, managing resource allocation, and implementing process improvements to enhance patient care quality and efficiency. Peterson oversees the coordination of clinical departments, support services, and facility management to meet the evolving needs of patients and families. The Chief Operating Officer's focus includes driving operational excellence, ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Dane Peterson plays a vital part in expanding the reach and impact of Children's Health, ensuring specialized treatments are accessible and delivered with the highest standards of care.
    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, provides essential support and project management for the operational leadership. This position involves coordinating initiatives, managing schedules, and ensuring the efficient flow of information between the Chief Operating Officer and other departments. Madhani plays a key part in implementing operational strategies, tracking progress on key performance indicators, and facilitating the execution of departmental goals. The Director, Office of the Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include preparing materials for executive review, organizing meetings, and supporting the optimization of healthcare delivery processes. Sehrish Madhani enhances the operational capacity of Children's Health, contributing to the effective delivery of pediatric patient care.

    David Seo - Chief Technology Officer

    David Seo, the Chief Technology Officer at Children's Health, architects and executes the technology strategy that underpins the organization's patient care and operational efficiency. This leadership position involves overseeing all aspects of information technology, including infrastructure, data security, and digital health initiatives. Seo drives innovation in technology solutions to enhance patient experiences, streamline clinical workflows, and support advanced medical research. The Chief Technology Officer's responsibilities include managing the IT budget, evaluating emerging technologies, and ensuring robust cybersecurity measures are in place to protect sensitive patient data. David Seo champions the adoption of cutting-edge technological advancements, enabling Children's Health to deliver specialized treatments and maintain its position as a leading pediatric healthcare provider.

    Shari Damon - Chief of Staff

    Shari Damon, the Chief of Staff at Children's Health, provides critical strategic support and operational oversight to the executive leadership team. This role involves managing key initiatives, facilitating cross-departmental collaboration, and ensuring the efficient execution of organizational priorities. Damon acts as a central point of contact for high-level projects, streamlining communication and driving alignment across various functions. The Chief of Staff's responsibilities include preparing executive briefings, coordinating board meetings, and implementing strategic plans to advance the company's mission. Shari Damon enhances the effectiveness of the executive office, ensuring Children's Health consistently delivers exceptional pediatric care and maintains its commitment to innovation in healthcare services.

    John Buswold - Vice President Chief of Staff

    John Buswold, the Vice President Chief of Staff at Children's Health, supports the executive leadership in driving strategic initiatives and operational effectiveness. This role involves coordinating key projects, facilitating communication across departments, and ensuring alignment with the organization's overarching goals. Buswold assists in the development and implementation of strategic plans, working closely with various leaders to achieve organizational objectives. The Vice President Chief of Staff's responsibilities include managing executive communications, preparing reports, and overseeing special projects that enhance patient care delivery and operational efficiency. John Buswold contributes to the smooth functioning of the executive office, supporting Children's Health's mission to provide exceptional pediatric healthcare.

    Jill Epperson - Executive Administrator To Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer

    Jill Epperson, the Executive Administrator To Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Children's Health, provides comprehensive administrative and logistical support to senior technology leadership. This role is crucial for ensuring the smooth operation of the Chief Information Officer's office, managing complex calendars, coordinating meetings, and handling sensitive communications. Epperson facilitates the efficient workflow of technology-related projects and initiatives, ensuring timely execution and follow-through. The Executive Administrator's responsibilities include preparing documentation, organizing travel arrangements, and serving as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders. Jill Epperson's diligent support enables the Chief Information Officer to focus on driving technological advancements that enhance patient care and operational efficiency at Children's Health.

    J.C. Buswold - Vice President, Chief of Staff

    J.C. Buswold, the Vice President, Chief of Staff at Children's Health, drives strategic execution and operational alignment across the organization. This leadership position involves managing critical projects, fostering interdepartmental collaboration, and ensuring executive priorities are met effectively. Buswold supports the development and implementation of key organizational strategies, working closely with senior leaders to achieve Children's Health's mission. The Vice President, Chief of Staff's responsibilities include overseeing special initiatives, preparing executive briefings, and enhancing the overall efficiency of the leadership team. J.C. Buswold contributes significantly to the strategic direction and operational success of Children's Health, reinforcing its commitment to 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 Robert Fries (Chief Financial 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), Robert Fries (Chief Financial 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, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Director, Office of the Chief Operating Officer.