In his role, Harding will provide enterprise-wide operational leadership across the organization’s hospitals, specialty centers and clinics.
MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL (April 29, 2026) — Children’s Minnesota is pleased to announce John Harding, Ed.D., MBA, FACHE, as its new executive vice president, chief operating officer (COO), effective April 27. In his role, Harding will provide enterprise-wide operational leadership across the organization’s hospitals, specialty centers and clinics.
Harding brings more than 25 years of operational leadership experience across complex pediatric health systems and will play a key role in advancing Children’s Minnesota’s vision to be the region’s premier independent pediatric health system. He will partner closely with clinical and system leaders to translate strategy into action, strengthen multidisciplinary leadership of care delivery and ensure continued delivery of high-quality and equitable care for patients and families.
“I’m delighted to welcome John to Children’s Minnesota,” said Emily Chapman, MD, president and CEO of Children’s Minnesota. “He brings deep experience in pediatric health care and a leadership style that reflects our values and our shared commitment to the children and families we serve. Throughout his career, John has been focused on bringing people together, providing clear direction, and helping teams do their best work. His record of expanding access to high-quality care and strengthening the experience of patients and families will be a tremendous asset to the communities we serve.”
Harding most recently served as COO at Riley Children’s Health, where he led enterprise operations across ambulatory and inpatient services, patient experience and facilities. His work focused on improving access to specialty care, strengthening operational performance and creating a more seamless experience for families.
Harding has also served as COO at Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters Health System, where he led nursing and physician practice operations, expanded pediatric mental health services and advanced major facility and ambulatory investments. He has also held leadership roles at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital and Children’s National Medical Center, building deep expertise in strategy, operations and program development.
“I’m honored to join Children’s Minnesota and step into a role that supports such a trusted, mission-driven organization,” said Harding. “From the moment I started learning more about this organization, I was struck by how deeply people care and are truly dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate care to those we serve. I’m excited to partner with our leaders and frontline teams to build on that strong foundation.”
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 with two hospitals, nine primary care clinics, seven rehabilitation and nine specialty care sites throughout the Twin Cities metro area. The Kid Experts® at Children’s Minnesota are chosen by more families than any other pediatric health system in the region.
Please visit childrensMN.org.
