Children's Wisconsin Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by a commitment to pediatric health, Children's Wisconsin provides comprehensive care for children with diverse illnesses and injuries, 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
  • Chief Financial Officer - Marc Cadieux
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer - Cinthia Christensen
  • President & Chief Operating Officer - Jonathan Brouk
  • Associate Chief Operating Officer - Aaron Kinney
  • President, Primary Care, Children’s Wisconsin - Michael Gutzeit
  • Secretary To the President - Sarah Wirth
  • Chief Medical Officer - Rainer Gedeit
  • Neil Villa - Chief Executive Officer

    Neil Villa, the Chief Executive Officer at Children's Wisconsin, directs the overarching strategy and vision for the organization. Villa's leadership focuses on advancing pediatric healthcare services and ensuring the hospital remains a leading provider for children across Wisconsin, Michigan, and surrounding regions. This executive role involves setting the strategic direction for all hospital operations, fostering innovation in patient care, and maintaining the institution's commitment to serving children with all types of illnesses, injuries, and disorders. Villa guides the executive team in achieving operational excellence and financial sustainability, crucial for continued service delivery. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities extend to stakeholder engagement and championing the hospital's mission throughout the healthcare landscape. Neil Villa ensures the organization's long-term growth and impact on pediatric health.

    Gil Peri - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Gil Peri, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Children's Wisconsin, drives the strategic direction and operational execution of the hospital's mission. Peri oversees all facets of the organization, ensuring the delivery of high-quality pediatric care to children from Wisconsin, Michigan, and beyond. This leadership position involves guiding the executive team in areas such as patient services, clinical innovation, and community outreach. Peri's focus includes enhancing the hospital's capacity as a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center and expanding its reach to serve children with diverse medical needs. The President & Chief Executive Officer role demands a comprehensive understanding of healthcare management, financial oversight, and strategic planning to maintain the hospital's standing as a premier pediatric healthcare provider. Gil Peri champions initiatives that improve patient outcomes and support the long-term health of the communities served.

    Juliya Buettner - Chief of Staff, Office of the CEO

    Juliya Buettner, the Chief of Staff, Office of the CEO at Children's Wisconsin, provides strategic support and operational coordination for the Chief Executive Officer. Buettner facilitates communication and alignment between the CEO's office and various hospital departments, ensuring strategic initiatives are effectively implemented. This role involves managing key projects, preparing executive communications, and optimizing the CEO's time and focus. Buettner works closely with the executive team to advance the hospital's mission of providing comprehensive pediatric care. The Chief of Staff, Office of the CEO, plays a critical role in driving organizational effectiveness and supporting the hospital's commitment to serving children with diverse medical needs across Wisconsin and beyond. Juliya Buettner enhances the strategic capacity of the CEO's office.

    Marc Cadieux - Chief Financial Officer

    Marc Cadieux, the Chief Financial Officer at Children's Wisconsin, directs all financial operations and strategic financial planning for the hospital. Cadieux manages the organization's fiscal health, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to support patient care, research, and operational expansion. This executive role involves overseeing budgeting, financial reporting, revenue cycle management, and investment strategies to maintain the hospital's financial stability and growth. Cadieux works closely with other leaders to align financial objectives with the hospital's mission of providing comprehensive pediatric services. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities are critical for sustaining the hospital's status as a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center and its ability to serve children with complex medical conditions across a wide geographic area. Marc Cadieux ensures robust financial controls and drives initiatives for long-term economic viability.
    Marc Cadieux

    Cinthia Christensen - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    Cinthia Christensen, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Children's Wisconsin, oversees the daily operations and strategic implementation of patient care services. Christensen directs operational efficiency across all departments, ensuring the hospital effectively serves children with diverse illnesses and injuries. This leadership role involves managing hospital resources, optimizing workflows, and driving initiatives to enhance patient experience and clinical outcomes. Christensen collaborates with the Chief Medical Officer and other executives to maintain the hospital's high standards as a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center. The Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities are vital for the seamless functioning of the hospital, supporting its mission to provide exceptional pediatric care to families throughout Wisconsin and beyond. Cinthia Christensen ensures operational excellence supports the organization's strategic goals.

    Jonathan Brouk - President & Chief Operating Officer

    Jonathan Brouk, the President & Chief Operating Officer at Children's Wisconsin, leads the operational strategy and execution of the hospital's extensive services. Brouk directs the day-to-day management of hospital functions, focusing on enhancing patient care delivery and operational efficiency. This executive role involves overseeing various departments to ensure seamless coordination of services for children with all types of illnesses, injuries, and disorders. Brouk works to uphold the hospital's reputation as a leading pediatric healthcare provider and a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center. The President & Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities are crucial for implementing strategic initiatives that improve patient outcomes and support the hospital's mission across Wisconsin and neighboring regions. Jonathan Brouk drives operational excellence to meet the evolving needs of pediatric patients.
    Jonathan Brouk

    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 services. Kinney assists in overseeing daily operations, focusing on enhancing efficiency and patient care delivery across various departments. This role involves collaborating with the Chief Operating Officer and other leaders to implement initiatives that improve patient outcomes and support the hospital's mission. Kinney's responsibilities contribute to maintaining the hospital's capacity as a leading pediatric healthcare provider and a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center. The Associate Chief Operating Officer plays a key part in ensuring the hospital effectively serves children with diverse medical needs throughout Wisconsin and beyond. Aaron Kinney supports the operational framework that underpins the organization's commitment to pediatric health.

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

    Michael Gutzeit, the President, Primary Care, Children’s Wisconsin, leads the strategic development and operational oversight of the hospital's primary care services. Gutzeit directs the expansion and enhancement of accessible pediatric care across Wisconsin, ensuring children receive timely and comprehensive medical attention. This executive role involves managing a network of primary care clinics, focusing on preventative health, early intervention, and integrated care models. Gutzeit collaborates with other leaders to ensure primary care aligns with the hospital's overall mission and commitment to serving children with diverse health needs. The President, Primary Care role is crucial for establishing a strong foundation of pediatric health within the community. Michael Gutzeit drives initiatives to improve patient access and outcomes in primary pediatric care.
    Michael Gutzeit

    Sarah Wirth - Secretary To the President

    Sarah Wirth, the Secretary To the President at Children's Wisconsin, provides essential administrative and logistical support to the President. Wirth manages the President's schedule, coordinates meetings, and handles confidential correspondence, ensuring efficient workflow and communication. This role involves facilitating the President's engagement with various stakeholders and supporting the execution of strategic priorities. Wirth plays a vital part in the smooth operation of the President's office, contributing to the hospital's overall mission of delivering exceptional pediatric care. The Secretary To the President ensures administrative functions support the President's leadership effectively. Sarah Wirth maintains organizational efficiency within the President's office.

    Rainer Gedeit - Chief Medical Officer

    Rainer Gedeit, the Chief Medical Officer at Children's Wisconsin, directs clinical strategy and ensures the highest standards of medical care for pediatric patients. Gedeit oversees all medical staff, clinical departments, and patient safety initiatives, upholding the hospital's designation as a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center. This executive role involves guiding clinical decision-making, promoting medical research, and fostering an environment of continuous improvement in patient outcomes. Gedeit collaborates with operational leaders to integrate clinical excellence with efficient hospital management. The Chief Medical Officer's responsibilities are fundamental to the hospital's mission of providing specialized care for children with complex illnesses and injuries throughout Wisconsin and the surrounding regions. Rainer Gedeit champions medical innovation and patient-centered care.

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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, Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer.