Children's Wisconsin Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Children's Wisconsin has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, and medical affairs.

Driven by a commitment to pediatric care, Children's Wisconsin provides comprehensive services for children with diverse medical needs, impacting communities across Wisconsin and beyond.

Leadership Roles at Children's Wisconsin

  • Chief Executive Officer - Neil Villa
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Gil Peri
  • Chief of Staff, Office of the CEO - Juliya Buettner
  • Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Marc Cadieux
  • President & Chief Operating Officer - Jonathan Brouk
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer - Cinthia Christensen
  • Associate Chief Operating Officer - Aaron Kinney
  • President, Medical Staff - Danny Thomas
  • Chief Medical Officer - Rainer Gedeit
  • Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer - Leslie Tector
  • Neil Villa - Chief Executive Officer

    Neil Villa, the Chief Executive Officer at Children's Wisconsin, directs the overarching strategy and operational framework for the organization. Villa's leadership ensures the hospital's continued delivery of specialized pediatric care to children facing illnesses, injuries, and congenital disorders. This executive role involves guiding the institution's mission to serve patients from Wisconsin, Michigan, and surrounding regions, maintaining its status as a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center. The focus remains on advancing patient outcomes and expanding access to critical medical services. Villa's strategic direction supports the hospital's long-standing commitment to child health and well-being, driving initiatives that enhance the quality and scope of care provided across all departments. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities encompass fostering innovation and ensuring the financial health of the institution to sustain its vital services.

    Gil Peri - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Gil Peri, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Children's Wisconsin, spearheads the strategic vision and operational execution for the entire healthcare system. Peri's leadership ensures the delivery of comprehensive pediatric services, addressing a wide spectrum of illnesses, injuries, and congenital conditions for children across Wisconsin and neighboring states. This executive position involves overseeing the hospital's commitment to maintaining its Level I Pediatric Trauma Center designation and advancing its mission to provide exceptional care. The President & Chief Executive Officer's role is critical in driving organizational growth, fostering innovation in pediatric medicine, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Children's Wisconsin. Peri's strategic oversight guides the integration of clinical services, research endeavors, and community outreach programs, all aimed at improving the health and well-being of children. The executive's focus is on enhancing patient access and ensuring the highest standards of care are consistently met.

    Juliya Buettner - Chief of Staff, Office of the CEO

    Juliya Buettner, the Chief of Staff, Office of the CEO at Children's Wisconsin, provides critical strategic support and operational coordination for the Chief Executive Officer. Buettner's role involves managing key initiatives, facilitating communication across executive leadership, and ensuring the efficient execution of strategic priorities. This position is vital for streamlining operations and enhancing the effectiveness of the CEO's office in driving the hospital's mission. The Chief of Staff, Office of the CEO ensures alignment between departmental objectives and the overarching goals of Children's Wisconsin, particularly concerning its role as a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center. Buettner's responsibilities include overseeing special projects, preparing executive briefings, and acting as a liaison between the CEO and various internal and external stakeholders. This role is essential for maintaining operational momentum and supporting the strategic direction of pediatric healthcare services.

    Marc Cadieux - Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Marc Cadieux, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Children's Wisconsin, oversees all financial operations and strategic financial planning for the organization. Cadieux's responsibilities include managing the hospital's budget, ensuring financial stability, and driving fiscal strategies that support the delivery of comprehensive pediatric care. This executive role is vital for maintaining the financial health of Children's Wisconsin, enabling its mission to serve children with complex medical conditions across Wisconsin and surrounding areas. The Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer guides investment decisions, manages revenue cycles, and ensures compliance with financial regulations. Cadieux's financial acumen supports the hospital's operational needs and its commitment to remaining a leading Level I Pediatric Trauma Center. The executive's focus is on optimizing financial performance to sustain and expand critical healthcare services for children.
    Marc Cadieux

    Jonathan Brouk - President & Chief Operating Officer

    Jonathan Brouk, the President & Chief Operating Officer at Children's Wisconsin, directs the day-to-day operational activities and ensures the efficient delivery of pediatric healthcare services. Brouk's leadership focuses on optimizing hospital operations, enhancing patient care pathways, and managing the resources necessary to support children with diverse medical needs across Wisconsin and beyond. This executive role is crucial for maintaining the hospital's status as a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center and driving operational excellence. The President & Chief Operating Officer oversees various departments, ensuring seamless coordination and high standards of care. Brouk's responsibilities include implementing strategic initiatives, improving clinical workflows, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the organization. The executive's focus is on enhancing patient experience and operational efficiency to meet the evolving healthcare demands of the region.
    Jonathan Brouk

    Cinthia Christensen - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    Cinthia Christensen, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Children's Wisconsin, directs the strategic execution of operational initiatives and oversees the daily functioning of the hospital system. Christensen's leadership ensures the efficient delivery of specialized pediatric services, addressing a wide range of illnesses and injuries for children throughout Wisconsin and beyond. This executive role is fundamental to maintaining the hospital's capacity as a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center and advancing its commitment to exceptional patient care. The Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer manages key operational departments, driving process improvements and resource allocation to meet the complex needs of young patients. Christensen's focus is on enhancing operational efficiency, fostering collaboration among clinical teams, and ensuring the seamless integration of services. The executive's strategic oversight supports the hospital's mission to provide high-quality, accessible healthcare for all children.

    Aaron Kinney - Associate Chief Operating Officer

    Aaron Kinney, the Associate Chief Operating Officer at Children's Wisconsin, supports the strategic direction and operational management of the hospital's extensive healthcare services. Kinney's role involves contributing to the optimization of clinical workflows and ensuring the efficient delivery of pediatric care to children across Wisconsin and neighboring regions. This executive position is integral to maintaining the hospital's capacity as a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center and enhancing patient care delivery. The Associate Chief Operating Officer collaborates with various departments to implement operational improvements and manage resources effectively. Kinney's focus is on supporting the Chief Operating Officer in driving initiatives that enhance patient experience and operational effectiveness. The executive's contributions are vital to the hospital's ongoing mission of providing comprehensive and accessible medical services for children.

    Danny Thomas - President, Medical Staff

    Danny Thomas, the President, Medical Staff at Children's Wisconsin, serves as the primary liaison between the hospital's physicians and the administrative leadership. Thomas's role involves advocating for the medical staff's needs, ensuring effective communication, and contributing to the strategic direction of clinical services for children across Wisconsin and neighboring regions. This leadership position is crucial for maintaining the collaborative environment necessary for a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center. The President, Medical Staff facilitates discussions on clinical policies, quality improvement initiatives, and the overall patient care experience. Thomas's focus is on fostering strong relationships within the medical community and supporting the hospital's mission to provide exceptional pediatric healthcare. The executive's influence ensures that the medical staff's perspective is integrated into organizational decision-making, enhancing the quality and delivery of care.
    Danny Thomas

    Rainer Gedeit - Chief Medical Officer

    Rainer Gedeit, the Chief Medical Officer at Children's Wisconsin, leads the clinical strategy and medical operations, ensuring the highest standards of patient care. Gedeit's responsibilities encompass overseeing medical staff, guiding clinical quality initiatives, and advancing the hospital's mission to serve children with complex health needs across Wisconsin and beyond. This executive role is critical for maintaining the hospital's designation as a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center and fostering a culture of medical excellence. The Chief Medical Officer directs clinical research, promotes evidence-based practices, and ensures the integration of innovative medical treatments. Gedeit's leadership focuses on enhancing patient safety, improving clinical outcomes, and supporting the professional development of the medical team. The executive's commitment is to providing exceptional pediatric healthcare and advancing the well-being of every child served.
    Leslie Tector, the Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer at Children's Wisconsin, provides comprehensive legal counsel and oversees all legal affairs for the organization. Tector's responsibilities include managing risk, ensuring regulatory compliance, and advising on legal matters related to pediatric healthcare services provided across Wisconsin and beyond. This executive role is essential for safeguarding the hospital's operations and upholding its commitment to patient care as a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center. The Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer guides the legal strategy, handles corporate governance, and represents the organization in legal proceedings. Tector's expertise ensures that Children's Wisconsin operates within all legal frameworks, protecting its mission and assets. The executive's focus is on mitigating legal risks and supporting the hospital's continued provision of high-quality medical services for children.

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

    Who leads Children's Wisconsin?
    Children's Wisconsin is led by Neil Villa (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Gil Peri (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Juliya Buettner (Chief of Staff, Office of the CEO).
    Who is part of Children's Wisconsin’s executive team?
    The executive team of Children's Wisconsin includes leaders such as Neil Villa (Chief Executive Officer), Gil Peri (President & Chief Executive Officer), Juliya Buettner (Chief of Staff, Office of the CEO) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Children's Wisconsin have?
    Children's Wisconsin has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Children's Wisconsin’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Children's Wisconsin includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief of Staff, Office of the CEO, Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, President & Chief Operating Officer.