Kimberly Chavalas Cripe to Step into Sole President & CEO Role to Lead Rady Children’s Health
SAN DIEGO, Calif. [March 5, 2026] — Rady Children’s Health announced today that Patrick A. Frias, MD, has accepted the position as president and CEO of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. He will step into the new role later this summer. Kimberly Chavalas Cripe, currently co-president and CEO, will lead Rady Children’s Health as sole president and CEO following Dr. Frias’ departure.
“I’ve had the honor of experiencing first-hand the transformational changes Patrick has made during his time in San Diego at Rady Children’s Hospital and Health Center,” said S. Doug Hutcheson, the board chairman for Rady Children’s Health. “Over the past year, Patrick’s and Kim’s vision, strategic acumen and unwavering commitment to our mission have shaped the future of pediatric healthcare across Southern California and improved the lives of thousands of children in our region. We wish him continued success in this next chapter of his remarkable career. We are also excited to continue our extraordinary momentum with Kim as our leader and look forward to the continued integration and progress towards the full potential of our two exceptional organizations.”
Dr. Frias joined Rady Children’s Hospital and Health Center in 2018 as president and CEO. During his tenure, the hospital was named to the U.S. News & World Report Best Children’s Hospitals Honor Roll, recognizing it among the top 10 children’s hospitals in the nation. The hospital has also moved forward with comprehensive campus expansion plans, including a new pavilion that will increase emergency and intensive care capacity.
In 2025, Dr. Frias co-led with Cripe the successful merger of the parent companies of Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego and Children’s Hospital of Orange County, creating one of the largest pediatric healthcare systems in the nation with three hospitals and more than 13,000 employees and over 2,000 medical staff. As Rady Children’s Health continues to evolve, it will leverage modernized facilities, award-winning, high-performing teams, and a committed leadership team to drive the business ahead.
“Patrick has been a valued leader for our teams. We are grateful for all his contributions and his inspiring advocacy for kids and families,” said Cripe. “Rady Children’s Health remains focused on advancing hope, health, and healing for children and their families across the communities we serve.”
“I am deeply grateful to the extraordinary teams across Rady Children’s Health and to our community partners for supporting our mission,” said Dr. Frias. “I look forward to bringing the lessons learned here to my new role and continuing to partner with Kim and other healthcare leaders across the country in advocating for what’s best for children and families.”
About Rady Children’s Health Rady Children’s Health (RCH) is one of the largest pediatric health care systems in the nation, recognized for excellence and innovation. Created in January 2025 through the merger of the parent companies of Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego and Children’s Hospital of Orange County, RCH includes three children’s hospitals, a growing network of primary and specialty care centers across six counties, and two of the region’s Level 1 pediatric trauma centers. RCH is a trusted partner for families seeking exceptional and compassionate care. Building on a combined legacy of more than a century of clinical excellence, RCH is dedicated to advancing children’s health through leading-edge research, innovative treatments and compassionate care.
