366. Brenda Wolf, Lessons Learned from a Lifetime Dedicated to Leading Nonprofits and Improving Healthcare for Children in Need

The Mentors Radio Show

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Tom Loarie talks with Brenda Wolf, beloved retired President and CEO of Chicago’s La Rabida Children’s Hospital and recipient of the University of Chicago’s Booth School “2023 Alumnus of the Year” award. Wolf dedicated her life to helping children with complex medical needs to have the greatest life possible and she gives us a powerful, insider view of the challenges, rewards and lessons learned from a career in non-profit pediatric health care. You’ll also hear how the principles and practices she learned from going back and earning an MBA became invaluable tools in her nonprofit leadership roles. In her 12 years as CEO and President, and her 35 total years serving at La Rabida Children’s Hospital, Brenda pioneered the patient-centered family home, in which one physician is responsible for coordinating all care for the patient. She also expanded the hospital’s outreach to youth experiencing trauma in under-served communities by establishing clinics in the surrounding area. She talks about leadership during the pandemic shutdown, key partnerships, the importance of providing long-term care for children with chronic conditions, navigating the complexities of Medicaid reimbursement and managing critical resources effectively in a nonprofit healthcare setting. She has been named one of Crain Chicago’s Most Notable Women in Health Care.

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SHOW NOTES:

BRENDA WOLF:

• BIO: https://www.thechicagonetwork.org/member/brenda-j-wolf/
• ARTICLES:
  • La Rabida Children’s Hospital CEO to retire — Crain’s Chicago Business
  • La Rabida CEO Stepping Down — Hyde Park Herald
  • ‘The Last 12 Years Consumed Me’: Chicago hospital CEO retires — Becker’s Hospital Review
  • How Brenda J. Wolf seamlessly transitioned to leadership at La Rabida Children’s Hospital — Smart Business