Phoenix Children's Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Phoenix Children's has 9 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, and medical affairs.

Driven by a commitment to pediatric care, Phoenix Children's provides comprehensive specialty pediatric services across inpatient, outpatient, emergency, trauma, and urgent care settings, impacting the health and well-being of children in Arizona and beyond.

Leadership Roles at Phoenix Children's

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - John Nickens
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer - Justin Bradshaw
  • President - Doug Hobbs
  • 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 - Michael Ritchey
  • Senior VP, Chief Strategy Officer - Stephanie Kearney
  • Executive VP & Chief Administrative Officer - Catherine Codispoti
  • John Nickens - President & Chief Executive Officer

    John Nickens, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Phoenix Children's, directs the overall strategic vision and operational execution for the freestanding children's hospital. Nickens guides the organization's mission to provide exceptional pediatric specialty services across inpatient, outpatient, emergency, trauma, and urgent care. Overseeing all executive functions, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with the hospital's commitment to advancing child health through innovative care and community engagement. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of excellence and driving growth initiatives to expand access to critical pediatric services. By championing advancements in medical technology and patient care protocols, John Nickens directly influences the hospital's market leadership and its capacity to serve the unique needs of children throughout Arizona.
    John Nickens

    Justin Bradshaw - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    Justin Bradshaw, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Phoenix Children's, manages the day-to-day operational activities and ensures the efficient delivery of pediatric healthcare services. Bradshaw oversees the integration of inpatient, outpatient, emergency, trauma, and urgent care functions, optimizing resource allocation and workflow across all departments. The Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer drives operational improvements and implements strategies to enhance patient care quality and safety. This position involves close collaboration with clinical leaders to streamline processes and improve patient throughput. By focusing on operational excellence, Justin Bradshaw supports the hospital's capacity to handle complex pediatric cases and maintain high standards of care across its extensive service lines.
    Justin Bradshaw

    Doug Hobbs - President

    Doug Hobbs, the President at Phoenix Children's, holds a significant leadership position focused on driving specific organizational objectives and enhancing operational performance. Hobbs directs key initiatives aimed at improving the delivery of specialty pediatric services across inpatient, outpatient, emergency, and trauma care. The President works to foster collaboration among departments and ensure strategic goals are met efficiently. This role involves overseeing critical projects and programs that contribute to the hospital's growth and its commitment to child health. By focusing on targeted areas of leadership, Doug Hobbs supports the overall mission of Phoenix Children's in providing advanced medical care to children in Arizona.

    Dustin Rayhorn - President, Department of Medical Staff

    Dustin Rayhorn, the President, Department of Medical Staff at Phoenix Children's, leads the medical professionals in advocating for and advancing the quality of patient care. Rayhorn ensures the medical staff's voice is represented in strategic decisions impacting inpatient, outpatient, emergency, and trauma services. The President, Department of Medical Staff collaborates with hospital leadership to uphold clinical standards and promote professional development among physicians. This role is crucial for maintaining a high-performing medical team dedicated to pediatric excellence. By championing the needs and expertise of the medical staff, Dustin Rayhorn contributes significantly to the clinical integrity and patient outcomes at Phoenix Children's.

    Julia DeCelles-Zwerneman - Residency House Staff President

    Julia DeCelles-Zwerneman, the Residency House Staff President at Phoenix Children's, represents the interests and concerns of resident physicians within the hospital's training programs. DeCelles-Zwerneman facilitates communication between house staff and hospital administration, ensuring a supportive and effective learning environment for those providing care across inpatient, outpatient, and emergency services. The Residency House Staff President advocates for the well-being and professional growth of residents, contributing to the overall quality of medical education and patient care. This leadership position is vital for nurturing the next generation of pediatric specialists. By serving as a liaison, Julia DeCelles-Zwerneman helps maintain high standards for resident training and patient service at Phoenix Children's.

    Brian Meyer - Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer

    Brian Meyer, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Phoenix Children's, leads the strategic development and implementation of information technology systems to support patient care and hospital operations. Meyer directs the integration of advanced digital solutions across inpatient, outpatient, emergency, and trauma services, ensuring seamless data flow and accessibility for clinicians. The Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer oversees cybersecurity initiatives and data governance to protect sensitive patient information. This role is critical in leveraging technology to enhance diagnostic capabilities, improve patient engagement, and drive operational efficiencies. By championing technological innovation, Brian Meyer ensures Phoenix Children's remains at the forefront of digital health in pediatric care.
    Brian Meyer

    Michael Ritchey - Chief Medical Officer

    Michael Ritchey, the Chief Medical Officer at Phoenix Children's, provides clinical leadership and oversees the medical staff to ensure the highest standards of patient care. Ritchey guides the medical direction for all specialty pediatric services, including inpatient, outpatient, emergency, and trauma care, fostering a culture of clinical excellence and patient safety. The Chief Medical Officer collaborates with hospital administration to develop and implement evidence-based medical practices and protocols. This position involves ensuring the quality of care delivered by physicians and other healthcare professionals across the organization. By championing medical advancements and physician development, Michael Ritchey plays a vital role in maintaining Phoenix Children's reputation as a leading pediatric healthcare provider.

    Stephanie Kearney - Senior VP, Chief Strategy Officer

    Stephanie Kearney, the Senior VP, Chief Strategy Officer at Phoenix Children's, develops and executes the long-term strategic plans to advance the hospital's mission and market position. Kearney identifies opportunities for growth, service expansion, and innovation across inpatient, outpatient, emergency, and trauma care settings. The Senior VP, Chief Strategy Officer leads market analysis, partnership development, and strategic initiatives designed to enhance the hospital's reach and impact. This role involves aligning organizational goals with evolving healthcare trends and community needs. By charting the course for future development, Stephanie Kearney ensures Phoenix Children's continues to provide leading-edge pediatric specialty services and maintain its leadership in child health.
    Stephanie Kearney

    Catherine Codispoti - Executive VP & Chief Administrative Officer

    Catherine Codispoti, the Executive VP & Chief Administrative Officer at Phoenix Children's, oversees critical administrative functions that support the hospital's operational efficiency and strategic objectives. Codispoti manages key areas such as human resources, legal affairs, and facilities management, ensuring a robust infrastructure for delivering comprehensive pediatric care. The Executive VP & Chief Administrative Officer plays a pivotal role in organizational development and compliance, safeguarding the hospital's operational integrity across inpatient, outpatient, emergency, and trauma services. This leadership position is essential for maintaining a productive work environment and ensuring all administrative processes align with the hospital's mission. By directing these vital support functions, Catherine Codispoti enables Phoenix Children's to focus on its core mission of providing exceptional care to children.
    Catherine Codispoti

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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 Justin Bradshaw (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer) and Doug Hobbs (President).
    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), Justin Bradshaw (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer), Doug Hobbs (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Phoenix Children's have?
    Phoenix Children's has 9 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, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, President, President, Department of Medical Staff, Residency House Staff President.