Phoenix Children's Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Phoenix Children's has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, clinical operations, administrative oversight, information technology, and medical staff governance.

Committed to advancing pediatric healthcare excellence, Phoenix Children's delivers specialized inpatient, outpatient, and trauma services while maintaining a mission to provide world-class care for every child.

Leadership Roles at Phoenix Children's

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - John Nickens
  • Chief Executive Officer, Emeritus, Children's (Phoenix) - Robert Meyer
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer - Justin Bradshaw
  • President, Department of Medical Staff - Dustin Rayhorn
  • Residency House Staff President - Julia DeCelles-Zwerneman
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer - Brian Meyer
  • Chief Medical Officer - Blake Bulloch
  • Executive VP & Chief Administrative Officer - Catherine Codispoti
  • Senior VP, Chief Strategy Officer - Stephanie Kearney
  • Do - Alana Horais
  • John Nickens - President & Chief Executive Officer

    John Nickens, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Phoenix Children's, directs the overarching strategic vision for this freestanding pediatric facility. Overseeing the entire hospital network, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between clinical excellence and long-term institutional growth. This leadership role involves managing complex relationships with the Board and external stakeholders to secure the financial health of the organization. By prioritizing patient outcomes and operational efficiency, John Nickens drives the expansion of specialty pediatric services across the region. The President & Chief Executive Officer maintains a focus on innovation within the emergency and trauma care sectors, ensuring that the hospital remains a leader in pediatric medicine. Through rigorous oversight of all departments, Nickens guarantees that the institution meets the highest standards of care for every patient, ultimately strengthening the market position of the hospital within the competitive healthcare landscape.
    John Nickens

    Robert Meyer - Chief Executive Officer, Emeritus, Children's (Phoenix)

    Robert Meyer, the Chief Executive Officer, Emeritus, Children's (Phoenix) at Phoenix Children's, provides high-level advisory support to the current leadership team. Drawing upon extensive experience in pediatric hospital management, the Chief Executive Officer, Emeritus, Children's (Phoenix) offers guidance on long-term institutional legacy and strategic continuity. This role involves mentoring senior leaders and ensuring that the core values of the organization remain central to all operational decisions. By facilitating knowledge transfer, Robert Meyer supports the ongoing success of the hospital's specialty pediatric programs. The Chief Executive Officer, Emeritus, Children's (Phoenix) contributes to the stability of the organization during periods of transition, ensuring that the mission of providing exceptional care remains the primary focus. Through this advisory capacity, Meyer helps maintain the reputation of the hospital as a premier destination for pediatric trauma and urgent care, fostering a culture of excellence that benefits the entire regional community.

    Justin Bradshaw - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    Justin Bradshaw, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Phoenix Children's, manages the daily operational functions of the hospital. Overseeing the integration of inpatient and outpatient services, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer ensures that clinical workflows remain efficient and patient-centered. This leadership role involves coordinating resources across emergency and trauma departments to optimize throughput and care quality. By implementing scalable operational models, Justin Bradshaw drives improvements in service delivery across the entire facility. The Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer collaborates with other C-suite leaders to align operational capacity with the growing demand for pediatric specialty care. Through rigorous monitoring of performance metrics, Bradshaw identifies opportunities for process refinement, ensuring that the hospital maintains its high standards of safety and effectiveness. This focus on operational excellence directly supports the broader mission of providing comprehensive pediatric health services to the regional population.
    Justin Bradshaw

    Dustin Rayhorn - President, Department of Medical Staff

    Dustin Rayhorn, the President, Department of Medical Staff at Phoenix Children's, represents the interests of the clinical practitioners within the hospital governance structure. Overseeing the communication between the medical staff and the executive leadership, the President, Department of Medical Staff ensures that clinical perspectives inform institutional policy. This leadership role involves facilitating peer review processes and maintaining high standards of professional conduct among the medical team. By driving collaboration across various pediatric specialties, Dustin Rayhorn supports a cohesive approach to patient care. The President, Department of Medical Staff works closely with the Chief Medical Officer to address clinical challenges and implement solutions that improve the work environment for physicians. Through this advocacy, Rayhorn ensures that the medical staff remains empowered to deliver high-quality care, which is essential for the hospital's success in providing comprehensive pediatric services to the community.

    Julia DeCelles-Zwerneman - Residency House Staff President

    Julia DeCelles-Zwerneman, the Residency House Staff President at Phoenix Children's, leads the representative body for residents and fellows within the hospital. Overseeing the professional development and well-being of the house staff, the Residency House Staff President ensures that the training environment remains conducive to learning and high-quality patient care. This leadership role involves advocating for the needs of the trainees while fostering collaboration with the attending medical staff. By driving initiatives that improve the residency experience, Julia DeCelles-Zwerneman supports the hospital's commitment to medical education and future workforce development. The Residency House Staff President works with hospital leadership to address concerns and implement improvements in the clinical training programs. Through this role, DeCelles-Zwerneman ensures that the next generation of pediatric specialists receives the support necessary to excel, which ultimately benefits the patients and the long-term clinical reputation of the institution.

    Brian Meyer - Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer

    Brian Meyer, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Phoenix Children's, architects the digital infrastructure necessary for modern pediatric healthcare. Overseeing the implementation of advanced health information systems, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer ensures that clinical data remains secure and accessible for medical staff. This leadership role involves managing the technological backbone of the hospital, including electronic health records and diagnostic imaging platforms. By driving digital transformation, Brian Meyer supports the delivery of precise, data-driven care across all specialty departments. The Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer collaborates with clinical leaders to integrate new technologies that enhance patient safety and operational efficiency. Through the deployment of robust cybersecurity measures, Meyer protects sensitive patient information while enabling seamless communication between departments. This focus on technological innovation ensures that the hospital remains at the forefront of pediatric medical advancements, ultimately improving outcomes for patients.
    Brian Meyer

    Blake Bulloch - Chief Medical Officer

    Blake Bulloch, the Chief Medical Officer at Phoenix Children's, directs the clinical standards and medical practices across the entire hospital. Overseeing the quality of care provided by the medical staff, the Chief Medical Officer ensures that all pediatric specialty services adhere to rigorous safety and efficacy protocols. This leadership role involves managing physician performance and fostering a culture of continuous clinical improvement. By driving evidence-based medicine, Blake Bulloch supports the hospital's reputation for excellence in trauma and urgent care. The Chief Medical Officer collaborates with the executive team to align clinical resources with the evolving needs of the pediatric patient population. Through the oversight of medical staff training and development, Bulloch ensures that the institution attracts and retains top-tier clinical talent. This commitment to medical excellence directly impacts the quality of care delivered, reinforcing the position of the hospital as a leader in pediatric health services.
    Blake Bulloch

    Catherine Codispoti - Executive VP & Chief Administrative Officer

    Catherine Codispoti, the Executive VP & Chief Administrative Officer at Phoenix Children's, manages the administrative functions that support the hospital's clinical mission. Overseeing human resources, facilities management, and organizational development, the Executive VP & Chief Administrative Officer ensures that the hospital has the necessary infrastructure to function effectively. This leadership role involves streamlining internal processes to improve organizational agility and employee engagement. By driving administrative efficiency, Catherine Codispoti supports the clinical teams in their efforts to provide high-quality pediatric care. The Executive VP & Chief Administrative Officer collaborates with the executive team to align administrative policies with the long-term strategic goals of the hospital. Through the oversight of key support services, Codispoti ensures that the facility remains a well-managed and productive environment. This focus on administrative excellence is critical for maintaining the operational stability required to serve the pediatric population effectively.
    Catherine Codispoti

    Stephanie Kearney - Senior VP, Chief Strategy Officer

    Stephanie Kearney, the Senior VP, Chief Strategy Officer at Phoenix Children's, architects the long-term growth and market positioning of the hospital. Overseeing strategic planning and business development, the Senior VP, Chief Strategy Officer identifies opportunities for expanding pediatric services and entering new markets. This leadership role involves analyzing healthcare trends to ensure that the hospital remains competitive and responsive to the needs of the community. By driving strategic partnerships and service line expansion, Stephanie Kearney supports the hospital's mission to provide comprehensive care. The Senior VP, Chief Strategy Officer collaborates with the executive team to translate vision into actionable plans that enhance the hospital's reach and impact. Through the rigorous assessment of market dynamics, Kearney ensures that the institution remains a leader in pediatric healthcare. This focus on strategic foresight is essential for maintaining the hospital's growth trajectory and its ability to serve the evolving needs of pediatric patients.
    Stephanie Kearney

    Alana Horais - Do

    Alana Horais, the Do at Phoenix Children's, manages specialized clinical initiatives that enhance the hospital's pediatric service offerings. Overseeing the implementation of specific medical programs, the Do ensures that clinical protocols align with the latest advancements in pediatric care. This leadership role involves coordinating with multidisciplinary teams to improve patient outcomes in complex cases. By driving the development of targeted treatment pathways, Alana Horais supports the hospital's mission to provide specialized care for children with diverse health needs. The Do collaborates with other clinical leaders to monitor the effectiveness of these programs and adjust strategies as necessary to meet patient demand. Through the rigorous application of clinical expertise, Horais contributes to the overall quality of the hospital's medical services. This focus on specialized care delivery ensures that the institution remains a vital resource for families seeking advanced pediatric treatment options within the region.

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

    Who leads Phoenix Children's?
    Phoenix Children's is led by John Nickens (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Robert Meyer (Chief Executive Officer, Emeritus, Children's (Phoenix)) and Justin Bradshaw (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Phoenix Children's’s executive team?
    The executive team of Phoenix Children's includes leaders such as John Nickens (President & Chief Executive Officer), Robert Meyer (Chief Executive Officer, Emeritus, Children's (Phoenix)), Justin Bradshaw (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Phoenix Children's have?
    Phoenix Children's has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Phoenix Children's’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Phoenix Children's includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer, Emeritus, Children's (Phoenix), Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, President, Department of Medical Staff, Residency House Staff President.