Children's Minnesota Announces Retirement of President and CEO Dr. Marc Gorelick

After more than seven years leading Children’s Minnesota, Dr. Gorelick will end his 42-year medical career in July 2025.

Children’s Minnesota today announced the upcoming retirement of its esteemed President and CEO, Dr. Marc Gorelick, effective July 2025. Dr. Gorelick has led the organization with distinction as CEO since December of 2017, leaving a legacy of innovation, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of children.

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Dr. Marc Gorelick, president and CEO of Children's Minnesota, announced his retirement effective July 2025. (Photo: Business Wire)

“Dr. Gorelick’s impact on Children’s Minnesota has been profound, far-reaching and will have long-lasting impact,” said JJ Kuhn, Chair of the Governance Board. “Under his leadership, the organization built on its already strong foundation to advance the standards for pediatric care, while prioritizing equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of the organization’s work. His selfless dedication to Children’s Minnesota and his advocacy on behalf of all children in our community will have a lasting impact well beyond his retirement. We will deeply miss Marc and are thankful for his significant contributions to Children’s Minnesota as a leader in the region now and for many years to come.”

Dr. Gorelick initially joined Children’s Minnesota in March 2017 as Chief Operating Officer before transitioning to CEO later that year. During his tenure, he guided the organization through pivotal challenges and advancements, consistently upholding its mission of championing the health needs of children and their families.

Highlights of Dr. Gorelick’s career at Children’s Minnesota

• Transformative Leadership: Dr. Gorelick’s leadership modernized Children’s Minnesota into the comprehensive pediatric system it is today. Investment in technology improved care delivery and access. Strengthened infrastructure - from operations to workforce development - ensured not only sustainably but also positioned the system for meaningful growth. Dr. Gorelick brought together an executive leadership team and a board of trustees with the vision and skills to help Children’s Minnesota thrive. Most importantly, Dr. Gorelick committed the system to becoming a truly inclusive and equitable organization, aligning our values with the needs and voices of the increasingly diverse communities we serve.
• Confronting Crises: The COVID-19 pandemic tested every fiber of our organization and our people. Yet, with Dr. Gorelick’s leadership, we rose to the occasion, navigating unprecedented uncertainty while ensuring the safety and well-being of our patients and staff. Then, as the world and our own community grappled with the murder of George Floyd and its aftermath, we were called to act—not just as healthcare providers but as community leaders. We spoke up, showed up, and doubled down on our commitment to equity, knowing that our actions could shape not just our organization, but the future of our community.
• Public Health Advocacy: A passionate advocate for pediatric health, Dr. Gorelick authored the book Saving Our Kids: An ER Doc’s Common-Sense Solution to the Gun Crisis. He also led the hospital’s efforts at the state capitol to help pass numerous laws improving health equity for children, including universal school meals, banning hair discrimination, and making Minnesota a trans refugee state. Dr. Gorelick also strengthened partnerships with community organizations with the creation of the Children’s Minnesota Collective for Community Health to address social determinants of health.
• Expansion of Outpatient and Ambulator Services: Under Dr. Gorelick, Children’s Minnesota expanded its outpatient and ambulatory services, now with more than a dozen locations across the Twin Cities metro area. More than ever, we focus on increasing access to care while maintaining high-quality inpatient services and utilizing partnerships with other health systems to broaden our reach.
• A Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Dr. Gorelick has embedded these principles into the organization’s culture and operations. He appointed our first Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer early in his tenure. Our executive leadership team and general workforce are more diverse than they have ever been, better representing and caring for our patient population. During Dr. Gorelick’s tenure, Children’s Minnesota also became a founding member of the Minnesota Business Coalition for Racial Equity (MBCRE) which works to build an equitable, inclusive and prosperous state with and for Black residents. These efforts have been recognized nationally, with Children’s Minnesota being named one of Modern Healthcare’s Top Diversity Leaders in 2023.
• Career Achievements: Before joining Children’s Minnesota, Dr. Gorelick served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. He has also held faculty positions at leading institutions, including the Medical College of Wisconsin and the University of Pennsylvania. He has held leadership positions in the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Board of Pediatrics, and the Society for Pediatric Research. In 2018 he received the Jim Seidel Distinguished Service Award from the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Emergency Medicine

Dr. Gorelick’s academic journey includes earning his Bachelor of Arts in History from Princeton University, a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from Duke University, and a Master of Science in Clinical Epidemiology from the University of Pennsylvania. His medical training includes a pediatrics residency at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., and a fellowship in pediatric emergency medicine at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Looking ahead

The Children’s Minnesota Board of Directors has initiated a comprehensive search for Dr. Gorelick’s successor. In the coming months, Dr. Gorelick will work closely with the board and leadership team to ensure a smooth transition. He intends to actively lead the organization until his successor is in place.

“As I prepare to pass the baton, I am proud that we have laid the foundation for what comes next. Together, we developed a bold vision to further strengthen our position as the premier pediatric acute care provider in the region, remain focused exclusively on kids and, deliver the most exceptional experience—for our patients, families, and staff,” said Dr. Gorelick. “To everyone who has been part of this journey—thank you. Thank you for your dedication, your resilience, and your passion. It has been the privilege of a lifetime to lead this organization and to work alongside each of you.”

About Children’s Minnesota

Children’s Minnesota is one of the largest pediatric health systems in the United States and the only one in Minnesota devoted exclusively to children, from before birth through young adulthood. An independent and not-for-profit system for more than 100 years, Children’s Minnesota offers more than 60 pediatric specialties through its two hospitals, multiple specialty centers and clinics throughout the metro area. The Kid Experts® at Children’s Minnesota are chosen by more families than any other pediatric health system in the region.

Find us on Facebook @childrensminnesota or on Twitter and Instagram @childrensmn. Please visit childrensMN.org.

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“As I prepare to pass the baton, I am proud that we have laid the foundation for what comes next. Together, we developed a bold vision to further strengthen our position as the premier pediatric acute care provider in the region," said Dr. Marc Gorelick.