Franciscan Children’s Names Joseph Mitchell New President and CEO

Mitchell to lead longtime pediatric healthcare leader as it enters new affiliation and new era

(Brighton, Mass.) – October 14, 2021 – The Board of Directors of Franciscan Children’s has announced Joseph Mitchell, M.D. as the new President and CEO of the organization effective November 30, 2021. Mitchell succeeds John Nash, who is retiring after nearly 10 years as the head of Franciscan Children’s.

Dr. Mitchell has a long and distinguished career in healthcare leadership. He is currently a partner with McKinsey and Company, where he has a 14-year track record of working with large pediatric and adult hospital systems to improve quality, outcomes and affordability. Mitchell has worked alongside CEOs and senior management teams at a range of leading non-profit, academic and faith-based systems.

Before joining McKinsey, Mitchell trained at Brigham and Women’s Hospital Program in Urology at Harvard Medical School in Boston. He earned his undergraduate degree from Stanford University in Palo Alto, CA, and his medical degree from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, MO.

Dr. Mitchell has been a member of the Franciscan Children’s Board since 2019, where he led the work to develop the organization’s five-year strategic plan. He also serves as a member of the JFK Presidential Library Foundation Board of Advisors. Prior to that, he spent eight years on the Boston March of Dimes Board.

Mitchell comes on board as Franciscan Children’s just announced an affiliation with Boston Children’s Hospital.  Pending State and religious approvals, Franciscan Children’s will become a sister corporation to the region’s largest pediatric health care provider, recently ranked the number one pediatric hospital in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2021-22 Best Children’s Hospitals Honor Roll.

“Dr. Mitchell is recognized as regional leader in the health care field with experience at every level of strategy, implementation and advocacy for our community,” said James Mandell, M.D., Board Chair of Franciscan Children’s.  “He has the skills to lead Franciscan Children’s at this critical point in our history.”

“The first time I walked into Franciscan Children’s, I was deeply impacted by the mission,” said Dr. Mitchell. “I was inspired by the courage of the children and families cared for by Franciscan Children’s and by the commitment and dedication of the people who work there. I am honored to serve as the new CEO of this storied organization and look forward to leading Franciscan Children’s to new heights, building on its tradition of quality and excellence.”

Mitchell is originally from St. Louis, MO. He lives in Wellesley, MA, with wife and two children.