Weston Resident Named First Female President, CEO of Boston Children's

A Weston resident has been named Boston Children's Hospital's first female chief executive officer and president, a role she will assume after the current CEO retires at the end of September 2013.

The Board of Trustees of Boston Children's Hospital announced Nov. 29 that Sandra L. Fenwick will become the hospital's next CEO and president. The current CEO, James Mandell, will retire next fall, according to a press release.

Fenwick will be the first woman to fill the role in the hospital's 143-year history.

"Sandi's selection is recognition of her leadership in assuring Boston Children’s Hospital’s position as the nation’s preeminent pediatric hospital and research center," said Mandell, in the release. "Her dedication to clinical quality and safety, as well as research and innovation, has earned her the respect of the health care community at large and the admiration of all at Boston Children’s."

Fenwick came to Boston Children's Hospital in 1999 as the senior vice president for business development, strategy and ambulatory care operations. Just months after her arrival at the hospital, she was promoted to chief operating officer. Then, in 2008, she was named president of the hospital, the press release reads.

"[Fenwick] and [Mandell] have been incredible partners over the last 13 years, and she has the confidence of the board and the hospital's leadership team to extend Boston Children’s exceptional care in our region and expand that reputation around the world," said Stephen Karp, chair of Boston Children's board of trustees, in the release. "Sandi keenly understands the challenges facing the health care market and has the vision to lead Boston Children’s drive to transform pediatric care. She is the perfect candidate."

According to the press release:

In her new role, Fenwick will build on the institution's leadership in advancing pediatric health care locally, regionally and nationally. She will continue to work closely with Boston Children’s clinicians to improve the effectiveness and efficacy of care and promote clinical excellence while at the same time tackling the cost of care. Investments in basic, translational and clinical research on pediatric and adult disease and global health remain a top priority as the leading pediatric research center in the nation.

"I'm proud to build on [Mandell's] legacy and continue the efforts that we've worked on together," Fenwick said, in the release. "I’m honored by the board’s confidence and humbled by my responsibility to every family and patient who is cared for by Boston Children’s clinicians and staff.

"As the top pediatric hospital in the nation, we have a responsibility to drive innovation and spur research breakthroughs to improve child health," she continued. "One of my top priorities will be to create opportunities that help unleash our culture of innovation and relentless pursuit of excellence."