As we begin a new year, and I embark on a new chapter in my life – otherwise known as retirement – I am excited about the future of health care for my own grandchildren, and for future generations of children, because of Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU’s commitment to advancing children’s health.

oday I retired after 40 years as a pediatric nurse and administrator in the Richmond community.  And what an amazing journey it has been.

I will forever cherish the relationships I have had with the passionate and committed people of CHoR, Children’s Hospital Foundation, VCU Health and the pediatric community. Together, we have built a robust network of people, programs and places dedicated to children.  I look back with pride on the development of the Feeding Program; Transitional Care Unit; Children’s Hospital Foundation Heart Center; multispecialty programs in traumatic brain injury and childhood obesity; a new pediatric emergency room; therapy and multispecialty centers across the community; the significant expansion of our team of pediatric specialists, including clinicians and researchers; our new Children’s Pavilion; and, the soon-to-open Virginia Treatment Center for Children on our Brook Road Campus.

As my formal contributions come to a close, I pass the torch to a dedicated group of pediatric professionals, knowing that I am leaving CHoR in great hands, with a bright future. I am pleased to share with you that Jeniece Roane, MS, RN, NE-BC will serve as interim vice president of children’s services and will continue the momentum in children’s health and prepare the way for a new CEO to lead CHoR into the future. Sharon Darby, DNP, RN, NHA, FACHE will lead our Brook Road Campus as interim executive director. A national search will be conducted to find CHoR’s new CEO.

I will continue to be CHoR’s biggest cheerleader, and watch with pride and joy as its reputation for excellence in care, teaching, research and advocacy for children grows.