Gillette Children's Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Gillette Children's has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, clinical operations, medical oversight, and hospital administration.

Dedicated to providing specialized care for individuals with disabilities, Gillette Children's advances medical excellence through a mission-driven approach to complex pediatric health services and long-term patient support.

Leadership Roles at Gillette Children's

  • Chief Executive Officer - Julie Robers
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Barbara Joers
  • Chief Operating Officer - Kelly Nowicki
  • Chief Medical Officer - Micah Niermann
  • Associate Chief Medical Officer - Deborah Quanbeck
  • Julie Robers - Chief Executive Officer

    Julie Robers, the Chief Executive Officer at Gillette Children's, directs the overarching strategic vision for this specialized healthcare institution. Robers manages the alignment of hospital resources with the complex needs of patients requiring long-term disability support. By overseeing institutional growth and financial sustainability, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that the organization maintains high standards of care across all departments. Julie Robers coordinates with the Board to implement policies that expand access to pediatric services throughout the Midwest region. This leadership role involves fostering partnerships with community stakeholders to enhance the delivery of specialized medical interventions. Through rigorous oversight of administrative functions, Robers drives operational efficiency while maintaining the core mission of the hospital. The Chief Executive Officer remains focused on scaling clinical capabilities to meet the evolving demands of the patient population, ensuring that the institution continues to provide essential support for individuals with diverse medical requirements.

    Barbara Joers - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Barbara Joers, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Gillette Children's, leads the executive team in executing the long-term mission of providing specialized care for patients with disabilities. Joers architects the organizational culture and drives initiatives that prioritize patient outcomes and clinical innovation. As the President & Chief Executive Officer, Joers manages the integration of complex healthcare services across the entire hospital network. This leadership position requires constant collaboration with clinical leads to ensure that medical practices remain at the forefront of pediatric care. Barbara Joers oversees the expansion of service lines to address the needs of patients with chronic conditions, ensuring that the institution remains a leader in the field. By focusing on sustainable growth and operational excellence, Joers secures the future of the hospital. The President & Chief Executive Officer maintains a commitment to excellence, ensuring that every department functions in harmony to support the health and well-being of the community.
    Barbara Joers

    Kelly Nowicki - Chief Operating Officer

    Kelly Nowicki, the Chief Operating Officer at Gillette Children's, manages the daily operational workflows and infrastructure necessary to support specialized pediatric healthcare. Nowicki directs the internal processes that facilitate efficient patient care delivery, ensuring that clinical teams possess the resources required for complex medical interventions. As the Chief Operating Officer, Nowicki oversees the optimization of hospital facilities and supply chain logistics to maintain high standards of service. This role involves coordinating with department heads to streamline administrative functions and improve patient throughput across the organization. Kelly Nowicki drives initiatives that enhance operational agility, allowing the hospital to respond effectively to the needs of patients with long-term disabilities. By monitoring performance metrics and implementing process improvements, Nowicki ensures that the institution operates at peak efficiency. The Chief Operating Officer remains dedicated to maintaining a safe and effective environment for both staff and patients, supporting the broader strategic goals of the hospital.

    Micah Niermann - Chief Medical Officer

    Micah Niermann, the Chief Medical Officer at Gillette Children's, directs the clinical standards and medical practices that define the hospital's specialized care model. Niermann oversees the recruitment and development of medical staff, ensuring that the team maintains expertise in treating complex disabilities. As the Chief Medical Officer, Niermann manages the implementation of evidence-based protocols to improve patient outcomes across all clinical departments. This leadership role involves collaborating with the executive team to integrate new medical technologies and research into daily practice. Micah Niermann drives the quality assurance programs that monitor clinical performance and patient safety throughout the organization. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and medical excellence, Niermann ensures that the hospital remains a premier destination for pediatric specialty care. The Chief Medical Officer coordinates with external medical boards and regulatory bodies to uphold the highest standards of professional practice, directly impacting the quality of life for the patients served.
    Micah Niermann

    Deborah Quanbeck - Associate Chief Medical Officer

    Deborah Quanbeck, the Associate Chief Medical Officer at Gillette Children's, supports the clinical leadership team by focusing on the operational execution of medical policies and patient care initiatives. Quanbeck directs specific clinical programs that address the unique needs of patients with short-term and long-term disabilities. As the Associate Chief Medical Officer, Quanbeck manages the coordination between specialized medical units to ensure seamless patient transitions and integrated care plans. This role involves analyzing clinical data to identify opportunities for service improvement and efficiency within the hospital. Deborah Quanbeck drives the implementation of safety protocols and quality improvement projects that enhance the overall patient experience. By working closely with the Chief Medical Officer, Quanbeck ensures that clinical operations align with the broader strategic objectives of the institution. The Associate Chief Medical Officer remains committed to maintaining high standards of medical care, supporting the hospital's mission through diligent oversight of clinical workflows and staff performance.

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

    Who leads Gillette Children's?
    Gillette Children's is led by Julie Robers (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Barbara Joers (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Kelly Nowicki (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Gillette Children's’s executive team?
    The executive team of Gillette Children's includes leaders such as Julie Robers (Chief Executive Officer), Barbara Joers (President & Chief Executive Officer), Kelly Nowicki (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Gillette Children's have?
    Gillette Children's has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Gillette Children's’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Gillette Children's includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Medical Officer, Associate Chief Medical Officer.