Seattle, Washington, December 18, 2025
Seattle Children’s Hospital has appointed Dr. Christopher Longhurst as its new CEO, effective January 5, 2026. This leadership transition comes as Dr. Jeff Sperring retires after a decade of service. Dr. Longhurst, with over two decades of experience, aims to advance pediatric healthcare excellence and health equity. His vision aligns with the hospital’s mission of delivering top-tier care and innovative strategies. The hospital has been nationally recognized for its contributions to pediatric health in the region.
Seattle Children’s Hospital Welcomes New CEO Dr. Christopher Longhurst
Transformative leadership aims to bolster pediatric care
Seattle, Washington – Seattle Children’s Hospital is set to enter a new chapter as it announces the appointment of Dr. Christopher Longhurst as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective January 5, 2026. This strategic leadership change comes as the hospital prepares to build on a solid foundation of excellence in pediatric healthcare provided by Dr. Jeff Sperring, who has announced his retirement after a decade of dedicated service. The resilience and determination showcased at Seattle Children’s reflects a growing trend of innovative leadership within the healthcare community—one that can inspire similar entrepreneurial efforts in Baltimore and beyond.
Dr. Longhurst arrives with an impressive background, currently serving as the Chief Clinical and Innovation Officer at UC San Diego Health. His appointment was the result of a comprehensive national search, indicating a commitment to ensuring top-tier leadership for the largest pediatric and adolescent academic medical center serving a vast region. As local businesses and institutions continue to navigate a complex regulatory landscape, effective leadership becomes a crucial factor in driving community health and economic growth.
Dr. Longhurst’s Appointment
Bringing over two decades of healthcare experience, Dr. Longhurst is recognized for his expertise in integrating clinical operations with innovative strategies aimed at enhancing patient safety and promoting health equity. His vision aligns well with contemporary challenges faced in pediatric care, making him a fitting leader as Seattle Children’s embarks on an era of innovation and excellence.
Dr. Sperring’s Legacy
Throughout his tenure, Dr. Sperring propelled Seattle Children’s Hospital into a position of national prominence, securing a top 10 ranking among children’s hospitals in the 2025-2026 U.S. News & World Report. His leadership focused on advancing patient care, fostering research, and strengthening community engagement. As caregivers, we can appreciate the importance of visionary leadership in fostering an environment that emphasizes growth, innovation, and most importantly, patient wellbeing.
About Seattle Children’s Hospital
Founded in 1907 as Children’s Orthopedic Hospital by Anna Herr Clise, Seattle Children’s Hospital serves a significant role in the pediatric healthcare landscape across Washington, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho. It stands as the largest academic medical center of its kind in the country, renowned for delivering care, hope, and cures to numerous families. The hospital’s commitment to its mission positions it at the forefront of pediatric medicine, showcasing the potential benefits of collaborative efforts between healthcare providers and local economies.
Looking Ahead
With Dr. Longhurst preparing to step into his role, Seattle Children’s Hospital is poised for ongoing growth and innovation in pediatric healthcare. Building on the solid foundation established by Dr. Sperring and the dedicated staff, the hospital remains committed to excellence in care and advancing research. Baltimore’s entrepreneurs can take inspiration from such an example, recognizing that effective leadership and community dedication can yield substantial benefits for economic and healthcare initiatives alike.
Conclusion
In summary, Dr. Christopher Longhurst’s appointment as CEO of Seattle Children’s Hospital represents a promising shift in leadership as the institution looks to further enhance its already formidable reputation. His experience and vision align perfectly with the evolving needs of pediatric healthcare, ensuring that the hospital can continue to provide exceptional care for its patients. As we watch the developments at Seattle Children’s, we should remain engaged with our local businesses and institutions, supporting the innovation and determination that drive growth within Baltimore and foster a robust economy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is the new CEO of Seattle Children’s Hospital?
- Dr. Christopher Longhurst has been appointed as the new CEO, effective January 5, 2026.
- What is Dr. Longhurst’s current position?
- Dr. Longhurst is currently the Chief Clinical and Innovation Officer at UC San Diego Health.
- Who is Dr. Longhurst succeeding as CEO?
- Dr. Longhurst will succeed Dr. Jeff Sperring, who announced his retirement plans in August after a decade of leadership at the hospital.
- What is Seattle Children’s Hospital known for?
- Seattle Children’s Hospital is renowned for its commitment to providing hope, care, and cures to children and families across the region and beyond. It serves as the pediatric and adolescent academic medical center for Washington, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho—the largest region of any children’s hospital in the country.
- When was Seattle Children’s Hospital founded?
- Seattle Children’s Hospital was founded in 1907 as Children’s Orthopedic Hospital by Anna Herr Clise.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New CEO | Dr. Christopher Longhurst, effective January 5, 2026 |
| Current Position of Dr. Longhurst | Chief Clinical and Innovation Officer at UC San Diego Health |
| Successor to | Dr. Jeff Sperring, retiring after a decade of leadership |
| Hospital’s Mission | Providing hope, care, and cures to children and families across the region and beyond |
| Hospital’s Service Area | Washington, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho—the largest region of any children’s hospital in the country |
| Founding Year | 1907 as Children’s Orthopedic Hospital by Anna Herr Clise |
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