Marc Gorelick is a humble person. He doesn’t like to talk about himself, or the impact he’s had as president and CEO of Children’s Minnesota. He doesn’t like others to dwell on that either.
I don’t want to embarrass you, Marc, but before you retire, some things need to be said. You know that better than anyone. Throughout the six years we’ve worked together, you’ve never been afraid to stand up, say what needs to be said, then take action to make Children’s Minnesota more inclusive, equitable and diverse.
A few weeks after George Floyd was murdered by a Minneapolis police officer not far from our Minneapolis hospital, you and I were part of a virtual discussion about the impact of racial trauma.
You said, “We can’t just do what is easy and…cosmetic.” A lot of people said similar words at that time.
You meant it.
Addressing health disparities is part of our mission at Children’s Minnesota. We can’t do that without strong words and action from our leader. You’ve made sure our diversity, equity and inclusion work is part of everything we do. You’ve made sure it’s funded and prioritized. You’ve made sure that it is embedded in our strategic plan. You understand that our pediatric health system has to be diverse, equitable and inclusive if we’re going to be every family’s essential partner in raising healthier children.
When George Floyd was murdered, you stood up. When our gender health care services came under attack, you stood up. When it came to giving children free school lunch, protecting them from gun violence and outlawing racial discrimination, you stood up.
It’s not an easy thing to do. But because you do it, children and families in our community are better off. You’ve broadened what we mean by community and for that, Children’s Minnesota is a better pediatric health system. Many of our staff have chosen to work here because they want to work in a place where people are expected to, and not afraid to, stand up for kids. We are the kid experts for all kids because of your leadership.
Again, I don’t want to embarrass you, Marc, but I’m not the only one who has things that need to be said:
Tiffani Daniels, advisory council chair, Minnesota Business Coalition for Racial Equity (MBCRE) and director of Consumer Loyalty & Rewards at General Mills: “I have a tremendous amount of respect for Dr. Marc Gorelick. There isn’t another CEO in Minnesota who matches his courage, dedication or conviction. One of the greatest honors of my life was sitting beside Dr. Gorelick as we testified in the Senate Judiciary Committee in support of the CROWN Act. We waited hours to testify, but he remained patient, focused and unwavering. His choice to stay said everything I needed to know about his character — even before he spoke a word of his powerful testimony. Minnesota is better because of his leadership.”
Dr. Kade Goepferd, Children’s Minnesota chief education officer: “Marc has been one of the most genuine and authentic leaders I have ever had the pleasure of working alongside during my 20 years at Children’s Minnesota. He has led by example, pairing his actions with his words, and always seeks to do whatever is best for kids and kids’ health, leaving no child, family or community behind. He is a shining example of what it means to put kids first, ALL kids first, and what it means to show up for families in our community that face disproportionate impact to their health based on social inequities.”
Jay Lund, retired chairman and CEO of Andersen Corporation: “Marc, congratulations on your well-earned retirement and thank you for your dedicated and passionate leadership of Children’s Minnesota. Your work at the hospital and in our community has had a profound impact on the lives of so many and been an inspiration to all of us who have the good fortune to work with you.”
David Mortenson, chairman, M. A. Mortenson Company: “Marc lives to make the world a better place, and his values and commitment are evident in how he leads, whether it is advancing human health, promoting justice, engaging in the community, or recognizing systemic disparities and racial inequities. We are lucky to have him in our community.”
James Burroughs: Marc, I know this isn’t goodbye. Just because you’re retiring from Children’s Minnesota, doesn’t mean you’re leaving children. You’ll continue to advocate and work for their best interests. I know our paths will continue to cross.
Another thing you said in our virtual meeting after George Floyd’s murder:
“If it’s the right thing to do, we have to not be scared to do it.”
I know you’ll continue to stand up for kids. Not because it’s easy or popular. Because it’s the right thing to do.
James Burroughs
Senior vice president, government and community relations, chief equity and inclusion officer
James Burroughs joined Children’s Minnesota as its first chief equity and inclusion officer in 2019. He is responsible for advancing equity and inclusion in all parts of the organization.
Follow James on LinkedIn.
