Children's Mercy Executive and Leadership Team

Robert Finuf, the Chief Executive Officer at Children's Mercy, directs the overarching strategic vision for this non-profit pediatric health system. Finuf oversees the integration of clinical care with the Children's Mercy Research Institute, ensuring that translational research directly informs patient treatment protocols. By aligning organizational resources with the mission of delivering family-focused care, the Chief Executive Officer maintains high standards across all hospitals and specialty clinics in Missouri and Kansas. Robert Finuf drives long-term growth by fostering partnerships with medical education programs to train future pediatric specialists. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of market needs to expand access to advanced pediatric specialties. Through rigorous oversight of institutional goals, the Chief Executive Officer secures the financial and operational health of the entire system, ultimately improving child health outcomes through evidence-based medicine and community outreach initiatives.

Alejandro Quiroga, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Children's Mercy, manages the daily execution of clinical excellence and organizational strategy. Quiroga architects the expansion of specialty clinics, ensuring that pediatric healthcare reaches diverse populations across the regional footprint. By coordinating with the Research Institute, the President & Chief Executive Officer accelerates the adoption of innovative medical technologies into standard practice. Alejandro Quiroga leads efforts to optimize patient care delivery models, focusing on compassionate, family-centered outcomes. This executive role requires constant collaboration with clinical department heads to maintain the highest quality of care for infants and adolescents. Through the implementation of strategic growth plans, Quiroga strengthens the market position of the health system. The President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that every operational decision supports the core mission of improving child health through advanced medical research and community-based outreach.

Jim Simaras, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP at Children's Mercy, manages the fiscal health and long-term financial planning of the pediatric health system. Simaras directs the budgeting process, capital allocation, and revenue cycle management to ensure the sustainability of clinical and research programs. By analyzing financial performance across all hospitals and specialty clinics, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP identifies opportunities for cost-efficiency and investment in new medical technologies. Jim Simaras oversees the financial reporting and compliance necessary to maintain the organization's non-profit status. This leadership role involves collaborating with other executives to fund initiatives that improve child health outcomes. Through the strategic management of financial resources, Simaras supports the expansion of pediatric services across Missouri and Kansas. The Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP ensures that the organization remains financially robust, allowing for continued investment in medical education and translational research.

Jo Stueve, the Chief Operating Officer at Children's Mercy, manages the internal infrastructure and daily operational efficiency of the pediatric health system. Stueve directs the logistical coordination between hospitals and specialty clinics to ensure seamless patient flow and resource allocation. By optimizing administrative workflows, the Chief Operating Officer supports the clinical staff in delivering high-quality care to infants and children. Jo Stueve oversees the implementation of operational policies that align with the broader mission of evidence-based medicine. This leadership role involves managing complex facility requirements and ensuring that all regional operations meet rigorous safety and quality standards. Through the continuous improvement of internal processes, Stueve enhances the overall capacity of the organization to serve the community. The Chief Operating Officer maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that the health system remains a leader in pediatric care through efficient management of all clinical and support services.

Amy Fallon, the President, Regional Operations at Children's Mercy, manages the performance and growth of clinics and hospitals outside the main campus. Fallon directs the expansion of pediatric services into new communities across Missouri and Kansas to increase access to care. By overseeing regional staffing and facility management, the President, Regional Operations ensures that every location maintains the same high standards of compassionate, family-focused care. Amy Fallon coordinates with local community leaders to tailor outreach programs to the specific needs of regional populations. This leadership role involves integrating regional clinics into the broader health system to ensure consistent patient outcomes. Through the effective management of regional assets, Fallon strengthens the organization's presence in the Midwest. The President, Regional Operations drives the mission of the health system by ensuring that advanced pediatric specialties are accessible to children and adolescents regardless of their geographic location.

Shohab Baig, the Chief Technology Officer at Children's Mercy, architects the digital transformation of the pediatric health system. Baig directs the development of advanced technological platforms that support translational research and clinical innovation. By integrating cutting-edge software solutions, the Chief Technology Officer enables medical teams to access real-time data for improved patient outcomes. Shohab Baig oversees the cybersecurity and infrastructure necessary to protect sensitive health information across all Missouri and Kansas locations. This leadership role involves collaborating with the Research Institute to deploy data-driven tools that advance pediatric medical education. Through the strategic application of technology, Baig ensures that the organization remains at the forefront of digital health. The Chief Technology Officer drives efficiency by automating administrative tasks, allowing clinical staff to focus entirely on delivering compassionate, family-centered care to infants, children, and adolescents throughout the entire health system.

Richard Hammond, the Chief Information Officer at Children's Mercy, manages the enterprise-wide data architecture and information systems. Hammond directs the implementation of electronic health records and data management protocols that support evidence-based medicine. By ensuring the reliability and accessibility of clinical data, the Chief Information Officer facilitates seamless communication between specialty clinics and hospital departments. Richard Hammond oversees the integration of research databases with clinical systems, enabling the Children's Mercy Research Institute to conduct high-impact studies. This leadership role involves maintaining robust network connectivity across the regional footprint to support continuous patient care. Through the optimization of information flow, Hammond improves the speed and accuracy of medical decision-making. The Chief Information Officer drives the strategic use of data to enhance operational transparency and support the organization's mission of improving child health outcomes through advanced technology and research.

Fred Burry, the Medical Director and Chief of Staff at Children's Mercy, governs the clinical standards and professional conduct of the medical staff. Burry directs the implementation of evidence-based clinical protocols across all pediatric specialties. By overseeing the credentialing and performance of physicians, the Medical Director and Chief of Staff ensures that every patient receives compassionate, high-quality care. Fred Burry facilitates collaboration between clinical departments and the Research Institute to translate scientific discoveries into bedside practice. This leadership role involves managing the medical staff's involvement in training future pediatric healthcare professionals. Through the rigorous application of clinical governance, Burry maintains the health system's reputation for excellence. The Medical Director and Chief of Staff supports the organization's mission by fostering a culture of continuous learning and medical innovation, ensuring that all clinical practices align with the latest advancements in pediatric medicine.

Dawn Strickler, the Executive Secretary To Chief Information Officer at Children's Mercy, manages the administrative operations and scheduling for the information technology department. Strickler directs the flow of communication between the Chief Information Officer and other executive leaders to ensure alignment on digital strategy. By coordinating complex projects and meetings, the Executive Secretary To Chief Information Officer supports the efficient execution of technology initiatives. Dawn Strickler oversees the documentation of departmental goals and tracks progress on key infrastructure projects. This leadership role involves maintaining the organizational structure of the IT office to facilitate smooth operations across the health system. Through the effective management of administrative tasks, Strickler enables the technology team to focus on critical digital transformations. The Executive Secretary To Chief Information Officer plays a vital role in ensuring that the information technology department remains responsive to the needs of the clinical and research teams.

Kristin Littrell, the Chief of Staff & Vice President at Children's Mercy, manages the strategic alignment of executive initiatives and organizational priorities. Littrell directs the coordination of cross-functional projects that bridge the gap between clinical operations and administrative support. By facilitating communication between the C-suite and the Board, the Chief of Staff & Vice President ensures that all departments remain focused on the mission of improving child health. Kristin Littrell oversees the execution of high-level strategic plans that support the growth of pediatric specialties. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships to drive consensus on institutional goals. Through the effective management of executive workflows, Littrell enhances the overall efficiency of the leadership team. The Chief of Staff & Vice President supports the organization's commitment to family-focused care by ensuring that all strategic decisions are grounded in evidence-based medicine and community outreach.