Exciting News for St. Jude Childrenโs Research Hospital: New Leadership Announcement
Memphis, Tenn. has welcomed some thrilling news as St. Jude Childrenโs Research Hospital announces the appointment of Maria Megdal as its new executive vice president and chief administrative officer. This reputation-rich hospital has long been a beacon of hope for children battling catastrophic diseases, and Megdalโs arrival is set to strengthen its mission further!
Maria Megdal Takes the Helm
In her new role, Megdal will be keeping a watchful eye on key departments that play a crucial role in the day-to-day operations at St. Jude. Her experience and leadership skills are expected to usher in even greater efficiencies as the hospital continues its groundbreaking work in research and treatment. Megdal expresses her gratitude for the opportunity and is eager to guide the team towards operational excellence.
โI am grateful for this opportunity to lead the people, strategies, and systems to ensure this institutionโs operational excellence,โ Megdal shared in an announcement.
A Proven Track Record
Before joining the St. Jude family, Megdal served as the senior vice president and chief administrative officer at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. Itโs clear that this isnโt her first rodeo! With a solid 29-year career under her belt in hospital operations, she also held key management positions at prominent institutions like Saint Vincentโs Catholic Medical Centers and the renowned Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York. Talk about seasoned experience!
Her knack for orchestrating and driving strategic vision in complex academic healthcare settings makes her a mission-minded leader. The leadership team believes that Megdal will be a valuable asset as they move forward with their ambitious six-year, $12.9 billion strategic plan.
Transitioning Leadership
The hospital isnโt just changing gears with a new executive; itโs also about smooth transitions! Pat Keel, who has served as St. Judeโs chief administrative and financial officer since 2020, will now resume her role as chief financial officer, a position she has held since 2016. Her leadership, especially during the pandemic, has helped pave the way for Megdalโs success as the new chief administrative officer.
โPatโs leadership, especially during the pandemic, has positioned Maria for success as our new CAO,โ said the hospitalโs leadership team in a statement. This collaborative spirit underscores the supportive environment that is key to St. Judeโs ongoing success.
The Future Looks Bright
With Megdalโs impressive credentials and established experience in the healthcare field, the future looks bright for St. Jude. The institution remains steadfast in its commitment to improve and innovate treatments for childhood diseases. The research hospitalโs focus on teamwork, compassion, and cutting-edge research is sure to continue flourishing under her capable guidance.
The St. Jude community is excited for this new chapter and what it means for the children and families they serve. As Megdal steps into this vital role, the optimism and dedication echoed by the leadership team is infectious.
Stay Informed
For those interested in staying connected with the latest developments at St. Jude, donโt forget to sign up for their newsletter! Hereโs to new beginnings and continued success in the fight against childhood diseases!

Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.