Phoenix Children’s Appoints New Chief Administrative and Strategy Officers

PHOENIX – Phoenix Children’s has announced the appointments of Catherine Codispoti, MHA, as Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, and Stephanie Kearney, MBA, MHA, FACHE, as Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, effective in July and April, respectively. The appointments, announced on March 19, 2026, are intended to bolster the health system’s leadership as it pursues a new vision to improve the health of a generation.

Catherine Codispoti, Chief Administrative Officer

Catherine Codispoti will oversee long-range workforce development, total rewards strategy, and cultural engagement for Phoenix Children’s more than 8,000 employees, beginning in July. She will lead the Human Resources, Legal, Compliance, Risk, and Public Affairs teams, and will too manage system integration for key service lines.

Codispoti brings extensive experience in healthcare administration, currently serving as Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer at Mercy, an $11 billion health system with over 50,000 employees across five states. Prior to her role at Mercy, she held senior leadership positions at Children’s National in Washington, D.C., and Texas Children’s Hospital. 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.”

Stephanie Kearney, Chief Strategy Officer

Stephanie Kearney will assume the role of Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer in April, overseeing enterprise strategy and guiding market and regional strategies for Phoenix Children’s. Her responsibilities will include leading community engagement, enterprise project management, and marketing, and communications.

Kearney has more than 15 years of healthcare leadership experience, with a focus on system growth, ambulatory strategy, service line expansion, and market positioning. She joins Phoenix Children’s from Cody Regional Health in Wyoming, where she served as Chief Ambulatory Officer, leading systemwide ambulatory services and strategic growth initiatives. She previously held leadership roles at Vail Health and Baylor College of Medicine, supporting complex clinical operations, physician alignment, and service line development. Kearney holds a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Healthcare Administration from the University of Houston – Clear Lake, a bachelor’s degree in microbiology from the University of Texas at Austin, and is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

“Phoenix Children’s is a dynamic pediatric health system and I’m thrilled to join the organization at such an exciting time,” said Kearney. “I glance forward to partnering with our clinical and operational leaders to shape strategies that expand access, strengthen community partnerships and position Phoenix Children’s for continued growth and impact for children and families across the Southwest.”

Leadership and Vision at Phoenix Children’s

These appointments follow the arrival of John R. Nickens IV, President and CEO of Phoenix Children’s, in October 2025. Nickens has focused on strengthening the organization’s culture and sharpening its strategic priorities. Codispoti and Kearney will join a seasoned executive leadership team as the health system works to achieve its vision of improving the health of a generation.