The Childrens Institute Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

The Childrens Institute has 5 executives leading key functions including executive strategy, corporate liaison, marketing, and operational management.

Committed to supporting children with special needs, The Childrens Institute delivers comprehensive care and family-centered services across Western Pennsylvania to improve long-term developmental outcomes.

Leadership Roles at The Childrens Institute

  • Special Assistant To the President and Chief Executive Officer and Corporate Liaison - Peg Smith
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Johanna Vidal-Phelan
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - David Miles
  • Chief Operating Officer - Lisa Desmond
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Barry Shepard
  • Peg Smith - Special Assistant To the President and Chief Executive Officer and Corporate Liaison

    Peg Smith, the Special Assistant To the President and Chief Executive Officer and Corporate Liaison at The Childrens Institute, manages high-level communications between the executive office and external stakeholders. This role involves coordinating board relations and ensuring organizational alignment with the mission of serving children with special needs. By facilitating seamless information flow, the Special Assistant To the President and Chief Executive Officer and Corporate Liaison supports the executive team in executing long-term strategic goals. Peg Smith also oversees complex administrative projects that require cross-departmental collaboration. Through meticulous attention to detail, the Corporate Liaison maintains strong partnerships with community organizations across Western Pennsylvania. This position directly impacts the efficiency of the leadership structure, allowing the organization to focus resources on clinical excellence and family support services. Ultimately, the Special Assistant To the President and Chief Executive Officer and Corporate Liaison drives operational transparency and strengthens the institutional framework necessary for sustained growth.

    Johanna Vidal-Phelan - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Johanna Vidal-Phelan, the President & Chief Executive Officer at The Childrens Institute, directs the overall clinical and administrative strategy for the nonprofit organization. This leadership role involves setting the vision for pediatric care and ensuring the delivery of high-quality services to families throughout Western Pennsylvania. By overseeing the integration of medical and therapeutic programs, the President & Chief Executive Officer maintains the standard of excellence established in 1902. Johanna Vidal-Phelan also engages with regional healthcare partners to expand the reach of specialized pediatric support. This executive function requires constant evaluation of market needs and internal performance metrics to ensure financial sustainability. Through strategic planning and community advocacy, the President & Chief Executive Officer fosters an environment of innovation. Ultimately, Vidal-Phelan secures the future of the organization by aligning clinical outcomes with the evolving requirements of children with special needs and their families.

    David Miles - President & Chief Executive Officer

    David Miles, the President & Chief Executive Officer at The Childrens Institute, focuses on the expansion of organizational infrastructure and the scaling of specialized care programs. This role involves directing capital investments and optimizing resource allocation to support the diverse needs of children across the Pennsylvania region. By leading the executive team, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that all departments remain dedicated to the core mission of providing comprehensive family support. David Miles also manages relationships with key donors and government entities to secure funding for new therapeutic initiatives. This leadership position requires balancing fiscal responsibility with the urgent demand for high-quality pediatric services. Through rigorous oversight of organizational performance, the President & Chief Executive Officer drives continuous improvement in service delivery. Ultimately, Miles strengthens the institutional capacity of the organization to serve more families while maintaining the highest standards of care.

    Lisa Desmond - Chief Operating Officer

    Lisa Desmond, the Chief Operating Officer at The Childrens Institute, manages the daily internal operations and clinical workflows that support the organization's mission. This role involves overseeing facility management, staffing logistics, and the implementation of efficient service delivery models across all departments. By streamlining operational processes, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that clinical teams have the necessary resources to provide exceptional care to children with special needs. Lisa Desmond also monitors performance metrics to identify areas for improvement in service quality and patient safety. This leadership position requires constant coordination with other C-suite members to ensure that operational capacity matches the strategic vision of the organization. Through the optimization of internal systems, the Chief Operating Officer drives productivity and enhances the overall experience for families. Ultimately, Desmond maintains the operational stability required to sustain the long-term impact of the institute within the Pennsylvania healthcare landscape.

    Barry Shepard - Chief Marketing Officer

    Barry Shepard, the Chief Marketing Officer at The Childrens Institute, directs all brand strategy and public outreach initiatives to increase awareness of pediatric services. This role involves crafting messaging that resonates with families and healthcare providers throughout Western Pennsylvania. By managing digital presence and community engagement campaigns, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that the organization remains a trusted resource for children with special needs. Barry Shepard also oversees the development of communication materials that highlight the impact of clinical programs on patient outcomes. This leadership function requires close collaboration with the executive team to align marketing efforts with broader organizational goals. Through data-driven analysis of outreach effectiveness, the Chief Marketing Officer optimizes the visibility of the institute. Ultimately, Shepard drives public support and strengthens the reputation of the organization as a leader in specialized pediatric care and family-centered support services.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding The Childrens Institute Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads The Childrens Institute?
    The Childrens Institute is led by Peg Smith (Special Assistant To the President and Chief Executive Officer and Corporate Liaison), along with executives such as Johanna Vidal-Phelan (President & Chief Executive Officer) and David Miles (President & Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of The Childrens Institute’s executive team?
    The executive team of The Childrens Institute includes leaders such as Peg Smith (Special Assistant To the President and Chief Executive Officer and Corporate Liaison), Johanna Vidal-Phelan (President & Chief Executive Officer), David Miles (President & Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does The Childrens Institute have?
    The Childrens Institute has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in The Childrens Institute’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of The Childrens Institute includes roles such as Special Assistant To the President and Chief Executive Officer and Corporate Liaison, President & Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Marketing Officer.