Children's Wisconsin Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Children's Wisconsin has 9 executives leading key functions including strategy, clinical operations, specialty care, medical governance, and philanthropic development.

Committed to pediatric excellence, Children's Wisconsin delivers comprehensive medical care for children across the Midwest while advancing innovative treatments for complex pediatric disorders and trauma.

Leadership Roles at Children's Wisconsin

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Gil Peri
  • Chief of Staff & Chief Executive Officer, Office of - Juliya Buettner
  • Chief Operating Officer, Children's Specialty Group - Benjamin Dahlberg
  • President & Chief Operating Officer - Jonathan Brouk
  • Foundation For The Health System President & Chief Development Officer - Meg Nelson
  • President, Medical Staff - Danny Thomas
  • President, Primary Care, Children's Wisconsin - Michael Gutzeit
  • Chief Medical Officer - Rainer Gedeit
  • Chief Medical Officer, Neonatologist - Paul Myers
  • Gil Peri - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Gil Peri, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Children's Wisconsin, directs the overarching strategic vision for the health system. Overseeing the integration of clinical services and administrative functions, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures the organization maintains its status as a premier Level I Pediatric Trauma Center. This leadership role involves aligning long-term growth initiatives with the evolving needs of patients across Wisconsin, Michigan, and northern Illinois. By fostering partnerships with regional healthcare providers, Peri strengthens the network of care for children with complex illnesses and birth defects. The President & Chief Executive Officer monitors system-wide performance metrics to guarantee high-quality outcomes. Through consistent focus on operational excellence, Gil Peri drives the mission of providing compassionate, specialized medical support to every child requiring advanced intervention.

    Juliya Buettner - Chief of Staff & Chief Executive Officer, Office of

    Juliya Buettner, the Chief of Staff & Chief Executive Officer, Office of at Children's Wisconsin, manages the executive office operations and facilitates cross-departmental communication. Coordinating the flow of information between the board and senior leadership, the Chief of Staff & Chief Executive Officer, Office of ensures that strategic priorities receive immediate attention. This role involves streamlining internal processes to improve organizational efficiency across the hospital system. By managing high-level projects, Buettner supports the execution of clinical and administrative goals. The Chief of Staff & Chief Executive Officer, Office of maintains alignment between various departments to support the delivery of pediatric care. Through meticulous oversight of executive workflows, Juliya Buettner optimizes the decision-making capacity of the leadership team, ultimately enhancing the ability of the organization to serve children with diverse medical needs.

    Benjamin Dahlberg - Chief Operating Officer, Children's Specialty Group

    Benjamin Dahlberg, the Chief Operating Officer, Children's Specialty Group at Children's Wisconsin, oversees the daily operations of specialized pediatric medical practices. Managing the clinical workflows for complex disorders and birth defects, the Chief Operating Officer, Children's Specialty Group ensures that medical teams possess the resources required for high-acuity care. This leadership role involves optimizing patient access to specialty services across the regional footprint. By refining operational protocols, Dahlberg improves the efficiency of diagnostic and treatment pathways. The Chief Operating Officer, Children's Specialty Group collaborates with clinical leaders to maintain the standards of a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center. Through the implementation of scalable practice models, Benjamin Dahlberg supports the delivery of expert care, ensuring that the specialty group meets the growing demand for pediatric medical services throughout the Midwest.

    Jonathan Brouk - President & Chief Operating Officer

    Jonathan Brouk, the President & Chief Operating Officer at Children's Wisconsin, manages the day-to-day business operations and clinical service delivery. Overseeing the hospital's infrastructure and resource allocation, the President & Chief Operating Officer ensures that all facilities operate at peak capacity to support pediatric trauma and specialty care. This role involves driving operational improvements that enhance patient safety and service quality. By coordinating with department heads, Brouk aligns operational output with the broader mission of the health system. The President & Chief Operating Officer monitors financial and clinical performance to maintain the organization's competitive position in the regional market. Through the strategic management of hospital assets and personnel, Jonathan Brouk ensures that the institution remains a reliable provider of care for children facing serious illnesses and injuries.
    Jonathan Brouk

    Meg Nelson - Foundation For The Health System President & Chief Development Officer

    Meg Nelson, the Foundation For The Health System President & Chief Development Officer at Children's Wisconsin, leads the philanthropic efforts and fundraising initiatives that support the health system. Overseeing the development of donor relationships and community partnerships, the Foundation For The Health System President & Chief Development Officer secures the financial resources necessary for advanced pediatric research and facility expansion. This role involves crafting strategies to increase charitable contributions from across the region. By aligning donor interests with the clinical mission, Nelson ensures that the hospital can continue providing specialized care for children with complex disorders. The Foundation For The Health System President & Chief Development Officer manages the foundation's operations to maximize impact on patient services. Through dedicated fundraising, Meg Nelson supports the long-term sustainability and growth of the organization.

    Danny Thomas - President, Medical Staff

    Danny Thomas, the President, Medical Staff at Children's Wisconsin, represents the interests of the physicians and clinical practitioners within the hospital. Overseeing the medical staff organization, the President, Medical Staff facilitates communication between the clinical team and the executive leadership. This role involves managing peer review processes and ensuring that medical staff bylaws support high-quality patient care. By fostering professional development and collaboration among clinicians, Thomas strengthens the medical community dedicated to pediatric health. The President, Medical Staff participates in strategic planning to ensure that clinical perspectives inform organizational decisions. Through the representation of medical staff needs, Danny Thomas promotes a collaborative environment that enhances the delivery of care for children with various illnesses and injuries across the regional service area.
    Danny Thomas

    Michael Gutzeit - President, Primary Care, Children's Wisconsin

    Michael Gutzeit, the President, Primary Care, Children's Wisconsin at Children's Wisconsin, manages the network of primary care clinics that serve as the foundation for pediatric health. Overseeing the expansion of community-based services, the President, Primary Care, Children's Wisconsin ensures that families have access to preventative care and routine medical support. This role involves integrating primary care with the hospital's specialty and trauma services to create a seamless continuum of care. By optimizing clinic operations, Gutzeit improves the health outcomes for children throughout the region. The President, Primary Care, Children's Wisconsin monitors population health trends to tailor services to the needs of diverse communities. Through the strategic management of primary care initiatives, Michael Gutzeit strengthens the overall health system, ensuring that children receive consistent and accessible medical attention.
    Michael Gutzeit

    Rainer Gedeit - Chief Medical Officer

    Rainer Gedeit, the Chief Medical Officer at Children's Wisconsin, directs the clinical quality and medical standards across the entire health system. Overseeing the medical staff and clinical governance, the Chief Medical Officer ensures that all treatment protocols adhere to the rigorous requirements of a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of evidence-based medicine and continuous improvement in patient outcomes. By collaborating with clinical department chairs, Gedeit addresses complex medical challenges and promotes innovation in pediatric care. The Chief Medical Officer monitors safety metrics and regulatory compliance to maintain the highest standards of medical excellence. Through the oversight of clinical practice, Rainer Gedeit ensures that the organization provides superior care to children with diverse medical conditions, injuries, and birth defects.

    Paul Myers - Chief Medical Officer, Neonatologist

    Paul Myers, the Chief Medical Officer, Neonatologist at Children's Wisconsin, directs the clinical strategy for neonatal services and specialized infant care. Overseeing the neonatal intensive care units, the Chief Medical Officer, Neonatologist ensures that the most vulnerable patients receive advanced medical interventions. This role involves implementing clinical protocols that address the unique needs of newborns with birth defects and complex disorders. By leading neonatal research and quality improvement projects, Myers enhances the standard of care for infants across the Midwest. The Chief Medical Officer, Neonatologist collaborates with other clinical leaders to integrate neonatal services into the broader pediatric trauma framework. Through the application of specialized medical expertise, Paul Myers drives the clinical success of the neonatal department, ensuring that infants receive life-saving treatment.

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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 Gil Peri (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Juliya Buettner (Chief of Staff & Chief Executive Officer, Office of) and Benjamin Dahlberg (Chief Operating Officer, Children's Specialty Group).
    Who is part of Children's Wisconsin’s executive team?
    The executive team of Children's Wisconsin includes leaders such as Gil Peri (President & Chief Executive Officer), Juliya Buettner (Chief of Staff & Chief Executive Officer, Office of), Benjamin Dahlberg (Chief Operating Officer, Children's Specialty Group) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Children's Wisconsin have?
    Children's Wisconsin has 9 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 President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief of Staff & Chief Executive Officer, Office of, Chief Operating Officer, Children's Specialty Group, President & Chief Operating Officer, Foundation For The Health System President & Chief Development Officer.