Connecticut Children’s Names Shannon Sullivan as Next President and CEO
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Hartford, Conn. – October 7, 2025 – Connecticut Children’s Board of Directors today named Shannon Sullivan, MSW, MS, as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of Connecticut Children’s. Sullivan will assume her responsibilities leading Connecticut Children’s on January 12, 2026.
Sullivan joins Connecticut Children’s from Care New England, where she served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Women & Infants Hospital in Rhode Island. With nearly two decades of leadership experience, Sullivan has been recognized for her innovative, patient-centered approach to healthcare, including overseeing the construction of a field hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic and earning the Providence Business News Industry Leader in Healthcare award.
“This is a transformational moment for Connecticut Children’s,” said Jon Rubin, Chair of the Corporate Board of Directors. “Shannon’s experience, vision, and values align with our mission, and her leadership will propel us forward as we continue to care for children and families in Connecticut and the region.”
Her appointment comes at a pivotal time for Connecticut Children’s, which is less than three months away from opening its new $320 million clinical tower — a state-of-the-art facility that will expand our capacity to care for children, integrate advanced technologies, and strengthen the health system’s position as a pediatric leader regionally and nationally.
It is an honor to join Connecticut Children’s at such an extraordinary time in its history. I am inspired by the organization’s commitment to children and families, and I look forward to working alongside the exceptional team here to advance care, research, innovation and community impact.
Shannon Sullivan, MSW, MS
“It is an honor to join Connecticut Children’s at such an extraordinary time in its history,” said Shannon Sullivan. “I am inspired by the organization’s commitment to children and families, and I look forward to working alongside the exceptional team here to advance care, research, innovation and community impact.”
“As we prepare to open our new clinical tower and enter a new era for Connecticut Children’s, we are excited to welcome Shannon,” said Tina Brown-Stevenson, Board of Directors search committee chair. “We would not have been able to attract such a dynamic leader without the prior leadership efforts of Jim Shmerling. Because of Jim’s dedication and vision, Shannon is now well positioned to continue the growth that Jim started and deliver innovative care that will ensure Connecticut Children’s remains a trusted leader in pediatric healthcare for generations to come.”
MEDIA CONTACT: Monica Buchanan MBuchanan [at] connecticutchildrens.org (MBuchanan[at]connecticutchildrens[dot]org)
-- About Connecticut Children’s Connecticut Children’s is the only health system in Connecticut 100% dedicated to kids. That means high-quality care across more than 30 pediatric specialties in 30+ locations throughout Connecticut, Eastern New York and Western Massachusetts. One team on a mission to improve access to healthcare from before birth and into adulthood. One team pushing the limits with breakthrough research and community partnerships so we can help you focus on what matters most: your family’s wellness journey. When you choose Connecticut Children’s, you can expect care beyond imagination.
