New leadership role will advance equitable health outcomes for children and strengthen community partnerships across the region
MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL (Sept. 28, 2026) — Children’s Minnesota has named Kade Goepferd, MD, clinical vice president of health equity strategy and community impact. This newly created leadership role will help advance equitable health outcomes for children and families while strengthening partnerships throughout the communities the pediatric health system serves.
“Dr. Goepferd has dedicated their career to improving the lives of children and families while advancing equity and inclusion in healthcare,” said James Burroughs, senior vice president of government and community relations and chief equity and inclusion officer at Children’s Minnesota. “Their experience as a clinician, educator and advocate gives them a unique perspective to help drive meaningful change. We are excited to have Dr. Goepferd lead this important work as we continue to improve health outcomes for all children.”
In this role, Dr. Goepferd will help lead Children’s Minnesota’s efforts to address health disparities, improve patient outcomes and ensure health equity remains central to the organization’s mission. They will work with equity and inclusion leaders to advance health equity and develop a community impact strategy that strengthens Children’s Minnesota’s role as an advocate and trusted voice on issues affecting children’s health across the region. Their position will be part of the Collective for Community Health, Children’s Minnesota’s multidisciplinary team focused on advancing child health through community partnerships and advocacy.
Dr. Goepferd brings more than 20 years of experience at Children’s Minnesota as a pediatrician, educator and advocate. They currently serve as chief education officer and will continue in that role on an interim basis until a successor is named. In addition, they previously served as medical director of the Gender Health program. Throughout their career, Dr. Goepferd has championed efforts to advance equity, inclusion and advocacy on behalf of children and families.
“This role represents an opportunity to deepen my commitment to health equity and work alongside communities to create lasting change,” said Dr. Goepferd. “Every child deserves the opportunity to experience their best health, and I look forward to partnering with colleagues, families and community organizations to help make that vision a reality.”
The creation of this role reflects Children’s Minnesota’s ongoing commitment to advancing health equity and improving outcomes for all children. Through leadership within the Collective for Community Health and collaboration across the organization, Dr. Goepferd will help guide strategies that address bias, inequity and other factors that can affect children’s health and well-being.
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 100 pediatric specialties through its two hospitals, nine primary care clinics, seven rehabilitation and eight 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.
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