Children’s Hospital Trust – the Philanthropic Resource for Children’s Hospital Boston – Names Lynn Susman its New President

Outgoing President Janet Cady Will Serve as Executive Chairman

September 13, 2011

Children’s Hospital Trust, the philanthropic resource for Children’s Hospital Boston today announced Lynn Susman will be the new Trust president effective October 3, 2011. Outgoing president, Janet Cady will assume a new half-time role as Executive Chairman, Children’s Hospital Trust.

The novel arrangement will ensure continued growth in philanthropy for Children’s Hospital Boston. The change positions Children’s with an ideal blend of leadership, experience, and talent to take philanthropy to new heights, supporting its mission as the world leader in pediatric medicine.

“I could not be more pleased about this innovative concept, but of course innovation has been a hallmark of the Trust since its creation by Jan Cady in 1997. This new senior leadership model—borrowed from the corporate world—enables us to build on the Trust’s momentum and record of success while charting the course for significant growth in the future,” commented James Mandell, MD, CEO of Children’s Hospital Boston.

As Trust President reporting to the hospital CEO, Susman will lead a comprehensive development program encompassing a staff of 120 and a Board of 40+ members. “I am tremendously excited about leading the next quantum leap in philanthropy to support the hospital’s amazing work. It’s a privilege to work with the clinical and scientific leaders advancing science and care every day. I’m also honored to lead a passionate and dedicated Trust staff that is so effective in its work to build long-term relationships to support the hospital,” says Susman who is a resident of Lexington. 

Currently Executive Vice President for Campaign and Major Gifts, Susman has had a distinguished 30 year career in fundraising, with more than 20 of those dedicated to supporting care and research at Children’s. She led her team to raise more than $550 million and played a key leadership role in the Cause for Wonder campaign which raised more than $300 million. Earlier in her career she was development director for world-renowned scientist Dr. Judah Folkman and the vascular biology team at Children’s, while leading the Trust Campaign Team to raise $30 million in funding for the Karp Research Laboratories.   

Janet Cady, a lifelong leader in building dramatically successful philanthropic programs, will assume the role of Executive Chairman, reporting to the Trust President. Cady joined Boston Children’s in 1997 and founded Children’s Hospital Trust in 1998 in partnership with Steve Karp, its inaugural Chairman. She is widely recognized for creating a world-class Trust Board and Development Program for Boston Children’s, increasing fundraising results 10-fold during her 14 year tenure, from $10M/year to nearly $100M. Cady is nationally sought-after as an inspirational speaker and philanthropic leader. In her new role, Cady will serve “of counsel” to the Trust President and Board. She will lead strategic projects to advance philanthropy for the hospital, and sustain and advance key philanthropic relationships, building on her wealth of experience and knowledge. Cady stated, “This is the best of all worlds in terms of leadership for the Trust. I look forward to working with Lynn, the board and staff to ensure the Trust and Hospital’s continued philanthropic success.” Additionally, Cady will continue to serve the broader community as an expert speaker and non-profit leader. She is currently President of The Boston Club, an organization of women executives and professionals that promotes the advancement of women leaders. She is a resident of Brookline.

“This leadership transition is exactly the right plan for our institution’s philanthropic advancement going forward,” says Doug Berthiaume, Trust Board Chair, who joins Dr. Mandell in making this announcement.

Contact:
Rob Graham
Children’s Hospital Boston
617-919-3110
rob.graham@childrens.harvard.edu

Children’s Hospital Boston
Founded in 1869 as a 20-bed hospital for children, Children’s Hospital Boston has been ranked as one of the nation’s best pediatric hospitals by U.S. News & World Report for the past 21 years. Children’s is the primary pediatric teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School and the largest provider of health care to Massachusetts children. In addition to 396 pediatric and adolescent inpatient beds and 228 outpatient programs, Children’s houses the world’s largest research enterprise based at a pediatric medical center, where its discoveries benefit both children and adults. More than 1,100 scientists, including nine members of the National Academy of Sciences, 11 members of the Institute of Medicine and nine members of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute comprise Children’s research community. For more information about the hospital visit: www.childrenshospital.org/newsroom.