Leadership and Key Staff

Leadership at CHKD supports the efforts of its clinicians, providers, and staff to promote the best care possible to our patients and their families. Learn more about our leadership team at the links below.

Amy Sampson

President and Chief Executive Officer at CHKD

Amy Sampson serves as the President and CEO of CHKD Health System, guiding the organization with a focus on pediatric health and well-being. Since joining in 1990, she has led critical, long-term strategic initiatives, strengthening CHKD's position as a national leader in specialized children's healthcare.

Ready Amy's Bio

Kathy Abshire

Senior VP of Finance and Chief Financial Officer

Senior Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Kathy Abshire leads the financial strategy and oversight for CHKD and affiliated entities, bringing more than 30 years of healthcare and nonprofit financial leadership experience.

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John Becker

Vice President, Mental Health Service Line and Clinical Practice Management

Meet John Becker, CHKD's Vice President of Mental Health Services and Clinical Practice Management, leading efforts to expand access to high-quality, evidence-based mental healthcare for children and families.

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Kamil Cak

Vice President, Experience of Care

Vice President of Experience of Care Kamil Cak leads service excellence efforts across CHKD Health System, overseeing programs and services that support the experience of patients and families throughout their care.

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Kimberly Day

Senior VP and Chief Legal Officer

Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, Kimberly Day provides strategic legal oversight for CHKD, the CHKD Foundation, and affiliated entities, bringing deep expertise in healthcare law, compliance, and health system operations.

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Tara Estabrooks

Vice President, Strategic Planning and Business Development

With a background in healthcare administration, strategic planning and program development, Tara Estabrooks has helped lead CHKD Health System’s strategic growth opportunities since joining the organization in 2017.

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Christopher Foley, MD

Senior VP and Chief Clinical Operations Officer

Dr. Christopher Foley serves as CHKD’s Senior Vice President and Chief Clinical Operations Officer, bringing more than 27 years of dedicated service to CHKD. In his role, Dr. Foley ensures the highest standards of patient care across all medical and surgical specialties throughout the health system.

Read Dr. Foley's Bio

John Harrington, MD

Vice President, Quality/Safety and Clinical Integration

Behind every great patient experience is a commitment to quality and safety. Meet Dr. John Harrington and learn how he helps shape exceptional care at CHKD.

Read Dr. Harrington's Bio

Eric Lowe, MD

Chief Clinical Academic Officer, CHKD Health System

As Chief Clinical Academic Officer, Dr. Eric Lowe provides strategic oversight of clinical, academic and research activities across CHKD Health System while continuing to provide patient care.

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Kristi McGowin

Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Patient Care Services

As CHKD’s chief nursing officer and vice president of patient care services, Kristi McGowin leads and advocates for nursing and patient care services across the health system, supporting high-quality care for children and families.

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Dr. Robert Obermeyer, Pediatric Surgeon at CHKD

Robert Obermeyer, MD

Vice President, Chief of Surgery

As vice president and chief of surgery, Dr. Robert Obermeyer works with surgical teams across CHKD to advance the quality and safety of surgical care. He is a board-certified pediatric and general surgeon with expertise in minimally invasive surgery and pectus excavatum.

Read Dr. Obermeyer's Bio

Bryant Thomas

Vice President of Advancement

Vice President of Advancement Bryant Thomas leads CHKD’s government relations efforts at the local, state, and national levels, advocating for the support needed to advance CHKD’s mission and serve children and families.

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Dennis Lee | Chief Digital Information Officer
Sean McDonagh | Vice President of Revenue Cycle
Jordy Rabinowitz | Chief Human Resources Officer

Leadership and key staff from CHKD gather for a group photo at the Darden Award ceremony at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott on November 20, 2024.

Recognized for Decades of Leadership

On November 20, the CIVIC Leadership Institute presented the 2024 Corporate Darden Award to CHKD for its decades of leadership in improving the quality of life in Hampton Roads.