Kyle D. Edgington, Ph.D. Takes Chief Development Role at Cook Children's Health Care System

Dr. Kyle D. Edgington Appointed Chief Development Officer at Cook Children's Health Care System

Cook Children's Health Care System recently announced the appointment of Dr. Kyle D. Edgington, Ph.D., to the vital position of Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer. His expertise in fundraising will be instrumental as the organization embarks on a transformative $1.25 billion expansion project at its Fort Worth medical center. Dr. Edgington officially started his new role on April 21, 2025.

A Strategic Appointment

Following an extensive selection process, Cook Children's chose Dr. Edgington based on his impressive track record in leadership, donor engagement, and strategic collaboration. Rick W. Merrill, President and CEO of Cook Children's Health Care System, stated, "As we embark on the largest fundraising campaign in our history, Kyle brings expertise that makes him an ideal fit for our organization." Merrill expressed confidence in Dr. Edgington’s leadership skills being crucial for achieving the necessary philanthropic support to enhance the medical center.

Background and Experience

A Fort Worth native, Dr. Edgington comes to Cook Children's after 16 years at The University of Texas at Dallas, where he held various teaching and administrative roles. Most recently, he served as Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, managing a team of 110 and a $15 million budget. During his tenure, he spearheaded "New Dimensions: The Campaign for UT Dallas," which has successfully raised $440 million towards a goal of $750 million and more than doubled the university's endowment to $868 million.

In addition to his academic credentials, which include a Ph.D. in Public Affairs, an MBA, and a bachelor's degree, Dr. Edgington has a rich history of volunteer work in North Texas, including leadership positions at Big Brothers Big Sisters and coaching youth basketball.

Vision for the Future

Reflecting on his new role, Dr. Edgington shared, "Philanthropy is one of the oldest and most cherished traditions in health care, and few places embody its spirit more profoundly than Cook Children's. I am excited to join the organization during this pivotal growth season and look forward to the impact our work together will have in the community and beyond."

Cook Children's Ten-Year Plan

In November 2024, the organization unveiled a 10-year master plan, which features the new West Tower, aimed at addressing pediatric health care needs for an ever-growing population in North Texas. The West Tower will span 760,000 square feet, significantly increasing capacity for critical care, cardiology, and transitional care. Additionally, the expansion will include state-of-the-art operating rooms equipped to support advanced surgical programs. This significant project underscores Cook Children’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of families in the community.

Sources of funding for this ambitious initiative will be a combination of operational resources, bonds, and philanthropic support. "We're looking to the future and taking steps to deliver state-of-the-art facilities that will continue to provide exceptional care for children in this region and beyond," said Merrill.

Cook Children’s Health System at a Glance

Cook Children’s Health Care System stands as more than just a medical entity; it seeks to be an extension of every child's family, assuring comprehensive care throughout their growth years. With over 10,000 dedicated professionals, Cook Children’s manages over 2 million patient encounters each year offering a wide range of healthcare services from two medical centers, surgery centers, home health services, and a health plan. Recently recognized by Forbes as the top healthcare employer in the U.S. and celebrated for its extensive reach at a national and international level, Cook Children's continues to demonstrate its commitment to a healthier future for children everywhere.

In conclusion, as Dr. Edgington sets forth on this pivotal journey, the community can anticipate great strides in pediatric care that promise to impact generations positively.