Chris Gessner knows the challenges and opportunities facing pediatricians in western Pennsylvania as they strive to provide high-quality medical care and grow their practices. For the past eight years, he has served as president of Children’s Community Pediatrics—overseeing 112 pediatricians in 28 locations across eight counties.
During seven of those years, he also served as vice president of Ambulatory and Professional Services at Children’s, and for the last three years as chief operating officer, overseeing all aspects of the hospital’s day-to-day operations.
“Chris already was a vital contributor to the hospital, and we knew his move to the role of president would be seamless,” says Mr. Oxendale. “I’m looking forward to our continuing work together during this very exciting time at Children’s. Chris is a very talented and driven individual, and he has achieved a great deal for the betterment of the hospital and community.”
Framework for the Future
As hospital president, Mr. Gessner will focus on implementing Children’s five-year strategic plan, which he helped craft. A key initiative in the plan is the opening of the new hospital campus in Lawrenceville.
“Our primary goals and objectives and how we approach them will remain the same. Next spring, we will move to a new world-class facility in Lawrenceville, and we are committed to coordinating an effective transition that is comfortable for our patients and their families,” says Mr. Gessner. “It is time to bring the new campus to life.”
Mr. Gessner’s focus also will include:
- Continually enhancing academic research and teaching programs
- Expanding clinical programs locally, regionally and nationally
- Positioning Children’s Hospital as a high-quality, high-reliability hospital that is known as one of the safest children’s hospitals in the world through the implementation of the electronic medical record system that integrates all areas of care
- Partnering with the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation to build on the hospital’s philanthropic success
- Recruiting and retaining specialized clinical expertise
- Building synergy between Children’s and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center to add value and complement shared goals
“Next spring, we will move to a new world-class facility in
Lawrenceville … it is time to bring the new campus to life.”
— Christopher A. Gessner, president, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC
