CHOP marks a new chapter as Bell retires after nearly 40 years and Mitchell takes the helm.
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) has completed a planned leadership transition. On October 1, 2026, Madeline Bell retired as Chief Executive Officer after a career spanning nearly 40 years at CHOP, and Joseph (Joe) Mitchell, MD, the hospital’s President since April 2025, succeeded her as President and CEO.
Madeline Bell’s Legacy
Bell spent nearly four decades at CHOP, including eight years as Chief Operating Officer and 11 years as CEO. During her tenure as CEO, CHOP grew into an international leader in cell and gene therapy, with more than 65 active clinical trials, and roughly doubled its revenue to more than $5 billion. She shared her intention to retire with the Board of Trustees in 2024, starting a deliberate succession process to identify CHOP’s next leader, and worked closely with Mitchell over the past year to prepare for the handoff.
“Serving CHOP has been the honor of a lifetime,” said Bell. “I am incredibly proud of how far this organization has come — and even more confident in where it is headed. Joe is a mission-driven leader with a deep commitment to children and families, and I know CHOP will continue to thrive under his leadership.”
Greg Davis, Chairman of CHOP’s Board of Trustees, credited her tenure: “Madeline has led CHOP through an extraordinary period of growth and impact. Her vision and unwavering commitment to children in our local community and throughout the world have strengthened CHOP’s position as a global leader in pediatric healthcare. We are deeply grateful for her leadership and confident in the strong foundation she leaves behind. I especially want to thank her for her thoughtful approach to welcoming Joe to the organization.”
A New Chapter Under Joe Mitchell
Mitchell joined CHOP in April 2025 following a comprehensive national search. Over the past year, he has immersed himself in CHOP’s operations, culture, and community, meeting with staff, patients, donors, and partners across the region, and has worked closely with Bell to advance CHOP’s strategic priorities and expand its presence throughout the region.
“Joe brings a fresh perspective, a patient-first approach, and a strong strategic mindset,” said Davis. “We are confident he will guide CHOP into its next chapter with continued excellence and impact.”
“CHOP is one of the most remarkable institutions in healthcare, with a mission that truly transforms lives,” said Mitchell. “It is a privilege to build on this legacy alongside an exceptional team. Together, we will keep advancing our work to ensure all children, in Philadelphia and beyond, have the opportunity to thrive.”
About Joe Mitchell, MD
Mitchell brings more than 20 years of healthcare leadership experience, including executive roles in leading pediatric systems and work focused on healthcare quality, outcomes, and affordability. He previously served as Executive Vice President at Boston Children’s Hospital and as President of Franciscan Children’s, where he helped secure approval for a 10-year institutional master plan, including a new hospital opening in 2029, and launched a capital campaign for campus modernization. Earlier, he spent 14 years at McKinsey & Company, including seven as a Partner. He trained in the Harvard urology residency program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and completed an NIH-sponsored research fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco.
About Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Founded more than 170 years ago as the nation’s first children’s hospital, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia is committed to addressing the most complex challenges in pediatric healthcare through exceptional clinical care, research and innovation, and investment in the future of pediatric medicine.
