Gillette Children's Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Gillette Children's has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, and medical affairs.

Dedicated to advancing care for children with disabilities, Gillette Children's operates with a profound commitment to specialized healthcare, driving innovation and compassionate service to improve patient outcomes and family well-being.

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 and operational framework for the non-profit hospital. This leadership position involves guiding the organization's mission to provide specialized healthcare services for individuals with short-term and long-term disabilities. Robers ensures alignment across all departments, fostering an environment of continuous improvement and patient-centered care. The executive's responsibilities extend to financial oversight, resource allocation, and cultivating key relationships with stakeholders, including community partners and governing bodies. By championing innovative approaches to care delivery, Julie Robers actively shapes the future of pediatric specialty healthcare, ensuring Gillette Children's remains at the forefront of medical advancements and compassionate support for families across Minnesota and beyond. This role demands a comprehensive understanding of healthcare economics, regulatory compliance, and the unique needs of the patient population served by the institution.

    Barbara Joers - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Barbara Joers, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Gillette Children's, spearheads the strategic direction and executive leadership of the specialized healthcare institution. This critical role involves setting the long-term vision for patient care, operational excellence, and financial sustainability, ensuring the hospital effectively serves individuals with disabilities. Joers oversees the integration of clinical services, research initiatives, and community outreach programs, driving forward the organization's commitment to innovation and compassionate care. The executive's purview encompasses fostering strong relationships with the board of directors, medical staff, and external partners to advance the hospital's mission. By championing advancements in pediatric specialty medicine, Barbara Joers ensures Gillette Children's continues to provide world-class care, impacting the lives of countless children and families. This leadership position requires a deep understanding of the healthcare landscape, strategic planning, and a steadfast dedication to patient well-being.
    Barbara Joers

    Kelly Nowicki - Chief Operating Officer

    Kelly Nowicki, the Chief Operating Officer at Gillette Children's, manages the day-to-day operational functions and ensures the efficient delivery of specialized healthcare services. This executive role involves overseeing all aspects of hospital operations, including patient flow, resource management, and facility operations, to support the organization's mission of caring for individuals with disabilities. Nowicki drives initiatives aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, improving patient satisfaction, and maintaining the highest standards of clinical care. The Chief Operating Officer collaborates closely with other senior leaders to implement strategic plans and optimize departmental performance across the St. Paul-based facility. By focusing on process improvement and operational excellence, Kelly Nowicki directly contributes to the hospital's ability to provide comprehensive and compassionate care, ensuring seamless service delivery for patients and their families. This position requires a keen understanding of healthcare logistics and a commitment to optimizing resource utilization.

    Micah Niermann - Chief Medical Officer

    Micah Niermann, the Chief Medical Officer at Gillette Children's, leads the clinical strategy and medical affairs of the specialized non-profit hospital. This executive role involves ensuring the highest quality of patient care, overseeing medical staff performance, and driving clinical innovation to meet the needs of individuals with short-term and long-term disabilities. Niermann champions evidence-based practices and fosters a culture of medical excellence throughout the organization. The Chief Medical Officer plays a crucial part in developing and implementing clinical policies, managing medical staff credentialing, and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations. By guiding the medical team, Micah Niermann directly impacts the effectiveness and compassionate delivery of specialized pediatric healthcare services, reinforcing Gillette Children's commitment to improving patient outcomes and family well-being. This position requires extensive medical expertise and a strategic approach to healthcare leadership.
    Micah Niermann

    Deborah Quanbeck - Associate Chief Medical Officer

    Deborah Quanbeck, the Associate Chief Medical Officer at Gillette Children's, supports the Chief Medical Officer in directing the clinical operations and medical quality initiatives of the hospital. This leadership position focuses on enhancing patient care delivery, ensuring adherence to medical best practices, and contributing to the strategic development of clinical services for individuals with disabilities. Quanbeck assists in overseeing medical staff activities, implementing quality improvement programs, and promoting a safe and effective healthcare environment. The Associate Chief Medical Officer collaborates with various departments to streamline clinical workflows and support the hospital's mission of providing specialized, compassionate care. By working alongside the Chief Medical Officer, Deborah Quanbeck plays a vital role in maintaining the high standards of medical expertise and patient-centered service that define Gillette Children's. This role is integral to the ongoing success of the hospital's clinical endeavors.

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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.