Phoenix Children’s announced the retirement of Robert L. Meyer, who has served as the organization’s President and CEO for 22 years. Working with the Board of Directors to finalize the leadership transition process, including the selection of his replacement, Meyer will officially retire in the summer of 2025, marking the end of his leadership tenure that has helped to shape Phoenix Children’s into a nationally recognized institution for children’s healthcare.
Meyer has led Phoenix Children’s for more than half of its 42-year existence and is the architect behind its expansion from a hospital-within-a-hospital to a multi-hospital campus system serving hundreds of thousands of children and families each year.
“I am deeply grateful for the privilege of leading this incredible health system and for the opportunity to work alongside so many dedicated and talented individuals, and our patient families,” said Meyer, President and CEO, Phoenix Children’s. “It has been an honor to help grow Phoenix Children’s alongside our community and to witness the positive impact we’ve had on children’s lives. I have every confidence in the continued success of Phoenix Children’s in continuing on this trajectory and fulfilling its mission.”
Throughout his tenure, Meyer was instrumental in guiding Phoenix Children’s through a period of tremendous change, including the expansion of clinical services, the construction of the Thomas Campus tower, completion of a new community hospital with a second on the horizon, and the opening of an additional freestanding emergency department. Under Meyer’s leadership, Phoenix Children’s has evolved into a quaternary pediatric health system with more than 50 sites of service, 75 sub-specialties, 8,000 employees and a thriving Research Institute.
In the coming weeks, the hospital’s Board of Directors will embark on a national search for Phoenix Children’s next President and CEO. During this time, Phoenix Children’s says it is committed to ensuring a seamless transition of leadership, with a continued focus on providing exceptional pediatric health care and meeting the needs of the community.
“We are deeply grateful to Bob for his visionary leadership and dedication to Phoenix Children’s and our community. His impact on this organization and the families we serve is immeasurable, and we wish him all the best in his upcoming retirement,” said Michael Ebert, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Phoenix Children’s.
The organization has said that a special event will be held in 2025 to celebrate Meyer’s career and the lasting legacy he leaves behind at Phoenix Children’s.
