Phoenix Children's Enhances Leadership Team with New Appointments

Phoenix Children's Strengthens Leadership with Key Appointments

Phoenix Children's has recently announced the appointment of two key executives, Catherine Codispoti and Stephanie Kearney, to pivotal leadership roles in their organization. These appointments aim to help realize a bold vision for improving the health of children and families in the community.

John R. Nickens IV, the President and CEO of Phoenix Children's, emphasized the importance of strong leadership in achieving their ambitious goals. Both Codispoti and Kearney are recognized for their distinguished backgrounds and extensive experience in healthcare.

Catherine Codispoti: Chief Administrative Officer

Catherine Codispoti comes to Phoenix Children's with a wealth of experience in healthcare management. She will assume the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer starting in July. Codispoti, who holds a Master of Health Administration, is noted for her expertise in organizational transformation and leadership development.

In her new role, she will oversee various critical functions such as workforce development, total rewards strategy, and cultural engagement for Phoenix Children’s team of over 8,000 employees. Codispoti has a proven track record, having served as Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer at Mercy, managing a large healthcare system across multiple states. Her earlier career includes significant leadership roles at Children’s National in Washington, D.C., and Texas Children's Hospital.

When discussing her new position, Codispoti expressed her enthusiasm for returning to pediatric healthcare. "It’s incredibly fulfilling to help shape the future of children's health," she stated. She is particularly looking forward to collaborating with Nickens in driving service line success and advancing the organization’s mission.

Stephanie Kearney: Chief Strategy Officer

Joining Phoenix Children’s in April, Stephanie Kearney will take on the role of Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer. Kearney will be responsible for enterprise strategy, focusing on market and regional strategies that align with Phoenix Children’s overall objectives.

With over 15 years of healthcare leadership experience, Kearney has been greatly involved in system growth initiatives and service line expansion. She most recently held the position of Chief Ambulatory Officer at Cody Regional Health in Wyoming, where she led significant growth strategies. Her past experience also includes roles at Vail Health and Baylor College of Medicine, where she focused on complex clinical operations and service line development.

Kearney holds both a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Healthcare Administration. In her new role, she expressed excitement about partnering with clinical and operational leaders to expand access and strengthen community partnerships, thus positioning Phoenix Children’s for future success.

A New Era for Phoenix Children’s

Both Codispoti and Kearney’s appointments reflect Phoenix Children’s commitment to enhancing pediatric healthcare services. Under the guidance of Nickens, who has been with the organization since October 2025, there is a renewed focus on shaping the culture and strategic priorities of the system.

As one of the largest pediatric health systems in the U.S., Phoenix Children's is dedicated to delivering world-class healthcare, and the addition of these accomplished executives is a testament to their commitment to achieving excellence in pediatric care. With a vision to elevate care, education, and innovation, the organization continues to strive for healthier futures for all children and families in its care.

For more information about Phoenix Children's initiatives and services, please visit phoenixchildrens.org.