Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Welcomes New CEO as Legacy Continues to Thrive
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) has officially announced a significant leadership transition, marking a new chapter in its storied 170-year legacy. On June 23, 2026, CHOP declared that Madeline Bell, who has served as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) since 2015, will retire on October 1, 2026. Her extensive career at CHOP spans nearly four decades, and she has held various leadership positions, including a remarkable eight years as Chief Operating Officer (COO) before becoming CEO.
As Bell prepares to step down, the hospital has appointed Joseph (Joe) Mitchell, MD, the current President of CHOP, as her successor. This transition follows a thorough national search that resulted in Mitchell’s recruitment to CHOP in April 2025. Having worked closely with Bell, the Board of Trustees, and CHOP’s leadership, Mitchell’s promotion reflects the hospital's commitment to succession planning and continuing its legacy of excellence in pediatric healthcare.
Reflecting on her time at CHOP, Bell expressed immense pride for the progress the hospital has made. "Serving CHOP has been the honor of a lifetime. I am incredibly proud of how far this organization has come—and even more confident in where it is headed. Joe is a mission-driven leader with a deep commitment to children and families, and I know CHOP will continue to thrive under his leadership," she remarked.
This leadership transition symbolizes CHOP’s ongoing commitment to maintaining high standards of care and community engagement. Joe Mitchell brings over 20 years of healthcare leadership experience, having previously served as Executive Vice President at Boston Children's Hospital and President at Franciscan Children's, where he spearheaded major improvement plans for pediatric healthcare facilities.
During the last year, Mitchell has immersed himself in CHOP’s culture, interacting with staff, patients, and community members to enhance understanding and to uphold the hospital’s values. His focus on patient-centered care and strategic development is expected to drive CHOP into its next fruitful chapter.
Greg Davis, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, praised Bell's leadership during a transformative period for CHOP, stating, "Madeline has led CHOP through an extraordinary period of growth and impact. Her vision has strengthened CHOP’s position as a global leader in pediatric healthcare. We are deeply grateful for her leadership and confident in the strong foundation she leaves behind."
As the nation's first children's hospital, established in 1855, CHOP has made remarkable strides in addressing complex pediatric healthcare challenges. As Mitchell takes the helm, he emphasized the hospital’s mission: "CHOP is one of the most remarkable institutions in healthcare, with a mission that truly transforms lives. It is a privilege to build on this legacy alongside an exceptional team. Together, we will keep advancing our work to ensure all children, in Philadelphia and beyond, have the opportunity to thrive."
With the transition of power, CHOP aims to continue delivering exceptional clinical care, pioneering impactful research, and investing in the future of pediatric medicine. The community can expect to see further development in CHOP’s extensive care network, which serves families in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware through a comprehensive system of care that includes more than 50 primary care practices, specialty care locations, and a commitment to mental health services.
As CHOP looks to the future under new leadership, both Madeline Bell's contributions and Joe Mitchell's fresh perspective will undoubtedly play critical roles in shaping the hospital’s mission and direction. The collective effort to nurture children’s health and well-being is firmly at the heart of what CHOP represents, continuing a proud legacy well into the future.
As Bell prepares to step down, the hospital has appointed Joseph (Joe) Mitchell, MD, the current President of CHOP, as her successor. This transition follows a thorough national search that resulted in Mitchell’s recruitment to CHOP in April 2025. Having worked closely with Bell, the Board of Trustees, and CHOP’s leadership, Mitchell’s promotion reflects the hospital's commitment to succession planning and continuing its legacy of excellence in pediatric healthcare.
Reflecting on her time at CHOP, Bell expressed immense pride for the progress the hospital has made. "Serving CHOP has been the honor of a lifetime. I am incredibly proud of how far this organization has come—and even more confident in where it is headed. Joe is a mission-driven leader with a deep commitment to children and families, and I know CHOP will continue to thrive under his leadership," she remarked.
This leadership transition symbolizes CHOP’s ongoing commitment to maintaining high standards of care and community engagement. Joe Mitchell brings over 20 years of healthcare leadership experience, having previously served as Executive Vice President at Boston Children's Hospital and President at Franciscan Children's, where he spearheaded major improvement plans for pediatric healthcare facilities.
During the last year, Mitchell has immersed himself in CHOP’s culture, interacting with staff, patients, and community members to enhance understanding and to uphold the hospital’s values. His focus on patient-centered care and strategic development is expected to drive CHOP into its next fruitful chapter.
Greg Davis, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, praised Bell's leadership during a transformative period for CHOP, stating, "Madeline has led CHOP through an extraordinary period of growth and impact. Her vision has strengthened CHOP’s position as a global leader in pediatric healthcare. We are deeply grateful for her leadership and confident in the strong foundation she leaves behind."
As the nation's first children's hospital, established in 1855, CHOP has made remarkable strides in addressing complex pediatric healthcare challenges. As Mitchell takes the helm, he emphasized the hospital’s mission: "CHOP is one of the most remarkable institutions in healthcare, with a mission that truly transforms lives. It is a privilege to build on this legacy alongside an exceptional team. Together, we will keep advancing our work to ensure all children, in Philadelphia and beyond, have the opportunity to thrive."
With the transition of power, CHOP aims to continue delivering exceptional clinical care, pioneering impactful research, and investing in the future of pediatric medicine. The community can expect to see further development in CHOP’s extensive care network, which serves families in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware through a comprehensive system of care that includes more than 50 primary care practices, specialty care locations, and a commitment to mental health services.
As CHOP looks to the future under new leadership, both Madeline Bell's contributions and Joe Mitchell's fresh perspective will undoubtedly play critical roles in shaping the hospital’s mission and direction. The collective effort to nurture children’s health and well-being is firmly at the heart of what CHOP represents, continuing a proud legacy well into the future.
Topics Health）
【About Using Articles】
You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.
【About Links】
Links are free to use.