MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL – Children’s Minnesota announced today that Dr. Tom George, system medical director of neonatology, has been named the organization’s first holder of the newly established Sit Investment Associates Chair in Neonatology following a generous $2 million gift from the Minneapolis-based investment firm. As the inaugural endowed chair holder, Dr. George will use this philanthropic funding to support the clinical program and research to improve patient care and outcomes in the field of neonatology.
“Congratulations to Dr. George on this distinguished honor, which will provide steadfast financial support for the neonatal program and transform the lives of our patients and others around the world,” said Jenny Soderholm, senior vice president, chief development officer and president of the Children’s Minnesota Foundation. “As a nonprofit organization, we rely on the generosity of our community to fuel life-saving research and innovation. We are grateful to Sit Investment Associates for sharing our vision and investing in our kid experts today and over the years to come.”
The gift is inspired by the personal experience of Sit Investment Associates Senior Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager Bryce Doty and his family at Children’s Minnesota. Their tiniest baby weighed less than two pounds at birth, now both siblings are thriving adults.
“It’s been incredible to see the tremendous advancements Children’s Minnesota has made in caring for such tiny babies. It’s deeply gratifying to contribute to clinical research and care, which helps to bring relief and joy to other families like ours,” said Doty.
Since 2018, Dr. George has led Children’s Minnesota’s neonatology program, the largest program of its kind in Minnesota and one of the largest in the country.
“I am humbled by being awarded Children’s Minnesota’s first endowed chair holder in neonatology,” said Dr. George. “This opportunity will help break new ground for advancements in neonatal care for clinically complex and critically ill newborns in Minnesota and beyond.”
About Children’s Minnesota
Children’s Minnesota is one of the largest pediatric health systems in the United States and the only health system in Minnesota to provide care exclusively to children, from before birth through young adulthood. An independent and not-for-profit system since 1924, Children’s Minnesota is one system serving kids throughout the Upper Midwest at two free-standing hospitals, nine primary care clinics, multiple specialty clinics and seven rehabilitation sites.
Endowment Chair award ceremony
In November 2023, Dr. Marc Gorelick, president and CEO of Children’s Minnesota; Jenny Soderholm, president of the Children’s Minnesota Foundation; and members of the organization’s neonatology program honored Dr. George during a private event.
