Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta CEO retiring: The future of pediatric medicine in Georgia
New era for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta announces Dr. Patrick Frias as the new CEO to succeed longtime leader Donna Hyland, signaling a strategic shift toward integrated pediatric mental health and regional growth.
Donna Hyland, the longtime CEO of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, has announced her retirement. She will be succeeded by Dr. Patrick Frias, the current CEO of Rady Children’s Health in San Diego.
Hyland is expected to remain in her role until the end of the year to assist with the transition.
Frias, a cardiologist, is returning to the pediatric healthcare system he left eight years ago while serving as its chief operating officer. He said his tenure will prioritize expanding the organization's focus on mental health and genomics.
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta's CEO retiring
The backstory:
The health of the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta system is viewed by many as crucial, not just for the children and families it serves today, but also for the future stability and growth of the Atlanta region.
Business leaders say a strong pediatric healthcare system also helps Atlanta compete for top talent.
Big charges are on the way at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta as the pediatric medical system announces its plans to change leadership. (FOX 5 Atlanta)
Pediatric mental health care services
What's next:
Dr. Patrick Frias has been tapped to keep Children’s on its upward trajectory. Frias currently serves as CEO of Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, and previously worked in Atlanta as a cardiologist and chief operating officer at Children’s.
Dr. Patrick Frias has been chosen to be the next CEO of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. (FOX 5 Atlanta)
One of his priorities is expanding mental health care within pediatric medicine.
"That’s really evolved and changed over the decade," Frias said. "One of the things I’m proud of in San Diego is how we’ve been able to integrate mental health into primary care."
Frias said health systems across the country are also navigating a range of financial pressures — including rising costs, Medicaid policy changes, and private insurance reimbursement challenges.
"We’re trying to drive down the cost of healthcare and get the most value," Frias said.
The leadership transition marks the end of an era for the Atlanta-based pediatric system.
Donna Hyland proud of 18 years of leadership
What they're saying:
Retiring CEO Donna Hyland led Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta for 18 years, overseeing major growth across the system.
That includes the new Arthur M. Blank Hospital campus and bringing multiple facilities under the Children’s brand, including the Marcus Autism Center, Scottish Rite Hospital and Hughes Spalding Hospital.
"To be really good at what you do and to bring together the collection of experts who do it, you need scale," Hyland said.
Donna Hyland, who has led Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta as CEO for the past 18 years announced her retirement. (FOX 5 Atlanta)
Looking back on nearly two decades leading the organization, Hyland said the biggest reward has been seeing the impact on patients and families.
"When I think about the impact on kids’ lives, that’s really the highlight," she said.
As she prepares to step down, Hyland said she’s confident the system will continue to grow under Frias’ leadership.
"He’s passionate about kids and cares about people," Hyland said.
The Source: The details in the article come from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, including a sit-down interview with retiring CEO Donna Hyland. Both Donna Hyland and her successor, Dr. Patrick Frias, are quoted directly, along with a written statement from Paul Brown, the Chair of the Children’s Board of Trustees.