Phoenix, Arizona, United States, March 2026 – Phoenix Children’s has announced the appointment of Catherine Codispoti, MHA, as Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer, reinforcing its leadership team as it advances an ambitious vision for pediatric healthcare transformation.
“We’ve set a bold new vision to improve the health of a generation, which will require strong, forward-thinking leadership to guide our work and drive meaningful progress for children and families,” said John R. Nickens IV, President and CEO, Phoenix Children’s. “Having worked with Catherine previously, I know firsthand how impactful she will be as we create strategic plans to turn this vision into action.”
A nationally recognized healthcare executive, Catherine Codispoti brings deep expertise in organizational transformation and leadership development. Beginning in July, she will oversee long-range workforce development, total rewards strategy, and cultural engagement for the organization’s workforce of more than 8,000 employees. Her responsibilities will include leadership of Human Resources, Legal, Compliance, Risk, and Public Affairs, along with managing system integration for key service lines.
Codispoti joins Phoenix Children’s from Mercy, where she served as Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer, contributing to a system with more than 50,000 employees across five states. Prior to Mercy, she held senior leadership roles at Children’s National Hospital and Texas Children’s Hospital, strengthening her track record in pediatric healthcare leadership.
She holds a Master of Health Administration from the University of Oklahoma and a bachelor’s degree from Wofford College.
“The opportunity to return to pediatric healthcare and help shape the future of children’s health, and the health of the community, is incredibly meaningful to me,” said Codispoti. “I’m especially excited to work alongside John Nickens, a dynamic leader with a bold vision for the future of pediatric care, as we support our people, drive service line success, and advance the mission of this remarkable organization.”
Codispoti joins a seasoned executive leadership team driving Phoenix Children’s forward under Nickens’ leadership, as the organization sharpens its strategic priorities and strengthens its culture.
About Phoenix Children’s
Phoenix Children’s is one of the nation’s largest pediatric health systems, comprising multiple hospital campuses, specialty and urgent care centers, community pediatric practices, outpatient clinics, and ambulatory surgery centers across Arizona. For more than 40 years, the organization has provided world-class inpatient, outpatient, trauma, emergency, and urgent care services.
Phoenix Children’s Care Network includes more than 1,405 pediatric primary care providers and specialists across 75+ subspecialties, advancing pediatric care, education, and innovation across the region.
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