Children's Health Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by a commitment to pediatric excellence, Children's Health provides comprehensive care, advancing medical innovation and patient well-being across Texas.

Leadership Roles at Children's Health

  • Chief Executive Officer - Teresa Patton
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Christopher Durovich
  • 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
  • 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 provider. Patton oversees all major divisions, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission to deliver exceptional patient care. This leadership role involves driving growth initiatives and maintaining the highest standards of clinical excellence across all facilities. Patton's strategic direction ensures the organization remains at the forefront of pediatric medicine, addressing complex conditions from heart disease to cystic fibrosis. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities extend to fostering key partnerships and stakeholder relationships, critical for advancing the organization's impact. Teresa Patton guides the executive team in navigating the evolving healthcare landscape, prioritizing innovation and patient outcomes.

    Christopher Durovich - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Christopher Durovich, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Children's Health, spearheads the organization's strategic planning and executive leadership. Durovich guides the comprehensive operational framework, ensuring the delivery of specialized pediatric services, including treatments for hematology-oncology and heart disease. The President & Chief Executive Officer's purview encompasses fostering a culture of innovation and patient-centered care throughout the network. Durovich actively engages with community stakeholders and regulatory bodies to advance the organization's mission. This executive leadership ensures the sustained growth and financial health of the not-for-profit entity. Christopher Durovich's oversight extends to championing advancements in pediatric medicine and expanding access to critical healthcare services for children.
    Christopher Durovich

    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 office operations. Tuffnell assists in coordinating key initiatives and ensuring the efficient functioning of executive-level decision-making processes. The Deputy Chief of Staff's responsibilities include managing projects and facilitating communication across various organizational units. Sean Tuffnell's leadership contributes to the effective implementation of strategies aimed at advancing pediatric healthcare services. This role is integral to operationalizing the organization's mission and ensuring cohesive execution of executive directives. Tuffnell's work supports the overall strategic direction of Children's Health.

    Robert Fries - Chief Financial Officer

    Robert Fries, the Chief Financial Officer at Children's Health, directs the financial strategy and fiscal management of the not-for-profit pediatric healthcare provider. Fries oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation, ensuring the organization's long-term sustainability. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities encompass managing investments, optimizing revenue cycles, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. Robert Fries plays a critical role in supporting the delivery of specialized treatments for conditions such as heart disease and hematology-oncology by ensuring adequate financial resources. Fries guides the financial planning necessary for capital expenditures and operational expansion. This leadership ensures the financial integrity required to fulfill Children's Health's mission.
    Robert Fries

    Dane Peterson - Chief Operating Officer

    Dane Peterson, the Chief Operating Officer at Children's Health, oversees the day-to-day operations and service delivery across the pediatric healthcare network. Peterson directs the implementation of operational strategies that enhance patient experience and clinical efficiency, from routine eye exams to specialized treatments. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include managing hospital and clinic operations, optimizing resource utilization, and ensuring adherence to quality standards. Dane Peterson's leadership focuses on streamlining processes to support the delivery of care for complex conditions like cystic fibrosis and heart disease. Peterson drives operational excellence, ensuring seamless coordination between clinical teams and support services. This role is vital for maintaining the high quality of care Children's Health provides.
    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 for the operational leadership of the organization. Madhani manages key projects and initiatives within the COO's office, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives. The Director's responsibilities include coordinating operational workflows, facilitating communication, and driving process improvements. Sehrish Madhani's role is critical in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the COO's oversight of pediatric healthcare services. Madhani contributes to the seamless execution of operational plans that support patient care. This position is vital for translating strategic operational goals into daily practice.

    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 critical strategic and operational support to the Market President. Gubeno manages key initiatives and facilitates cross-functional collaboration to advance market-specific objectives. The Vice President, Chief of Staff's role involves coordinating communications, overseeing project management, and ensuring alignment with the broader organizational strategy. Emilee Gubeno supports the Market President in driving growth and operational excellence within their designated region. This position is essential for translating high-level market strategies into tangible operational outcomes. Gubeno's efforts contribute directly to enhancing patient access and service delivery.

    David Seo - Chief Technology Officer

    David Seo, the Chief Technology Officer at Children's Health, architects and executes the technology strategy to support advanced pediatric healthcare delivery. Seo oversees the integration of cutting-edge digital solutions, enhancing patient care from routine eye exams to complex specialized treatments. The Chief Technology Officer's responsibilities include managing the IT infrastructure, ensuring data security, and driving innovation in health informatics. Seo's leadership ensures that technology empowers clinicians and improves patient outcomes across the organization's network. David Seo directs the development and implementation of systems that streamline operations and support research initiatives in areas like cystic fibrosis and heart disease. This role is critical for maintaining Children's Health's position as a leader in pediatric innovation.

    Shari Damon - Chief of Staff

    Shari Damon, the Chief of Staff at Children's Health, provides strategic support and operational coordination for executive initiatives. Damon facilitates communication and alignment across various departments, ensuring the smooth execution of organizational goals. The Chief of Staff's role involves managing key projects and driving process improvements that enhance patient care delivery. Shari Damon supports the executive leadership in navigating complex challenges and opportunities within the pediatric healthcare sector. This position is integral to optimizing the efficiency of executive decision-making and operational effectiveness. Damon's focus ensures that strategic priorities are translated into actionable plans, contributing to the organization's mission of providing comprehensive care.

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

    J.C. Buswold, the Vice President, Chief of Staff at Children's Health, enhances executive effectiveness through strategic planning and operational coordination. Buswold manages critical projects and initiatives, ensuring seamless execution across departments. The Vice President, Chief of Staff's responsibilities include streamlining internal processes and fostering efficient communication channels. J.C. Buswold supports the executive leadership in achieving organizational goals related to pediatric healthcare delivery. This role is pivotal in driving operational improvements and ensuring strategic alignment. Buswold's contributions are key to maintaining the high standards of care and operational efficiency at Children's Health.

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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 Sean Tuffnell (Deputy Chief of Staff & Chief Executive Officer, Office of).
    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), Sean Tuffnell (Deputy Chief of Staff & Chief Executive Officer, Office of) 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, Deputy Chief of Staff & Chief Executive Officer, Office of, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer.