Nemours Taps Top CMO Dr. Betty Chu for Board, Signaling Equity Focus

JACKSONVILLE, FL – February 13, 2026 – The Alfred I. duPont Charitable Trust today announced a significant addition to the leadership of its charitable beneficiary, The Nemours Foundation, appointing nationally recognized healthcare leader Dr. Betty Chu to its Board of Directors. The Nemours Foundation governs Nemours Children's Health, one of the nation's largest pediatric health systems.

Dr. Chu, currently the Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Advocate Health in Charlotte, NC, brings over two decades of high-level experience in clinical care and health system administration to the role. Her appointment is being hailed as a strategic move to bolster Nemours' ambitious mission to redefine pediatric wellness.

"Betty is a distinguished and respected professional who will bring a broad base of knowledge and expertise around clinical and hospital operations, policy and advocacy paired with a deep commitment to academic and research development to the Nemours Board that complements the knowledge and skills of our existing Directors," said Thomas G. Kuntz, Chairman of the Alfred I. duPont Charitable Trust.

James S. Hunt, Chair of The Nemours Foundation Board of Directors, echoed the sentiment, welcoming Dr. Chu on behalf of the board. "The collective insight and commitment to excellence of our Board will be invaluable as we advance our mission, strengthen the organization, and continue our work to create the healthiest generations of children," Hunt stated.

A Leader Forged in Quality and Crisis

Dr. Chu's extensive resume reveals a career marked by a relentless focus on quality, safety, and operational excellence within some of the country's most complex health systems. At Advocate Health, the nation's third-largest health system, she oversees clinical quality and safety for approximately 6 million patients across six states. Her leadership philosophy centers on achieving clinical excellence and "zero harm."

This commitment has earned her national recognition, including being named one of Modern Healthcare's "2025 Innovators." Her innovative, data-driven approach was notably demonstrated during Hurricane Helene's disruption of IV fluid supplies. Dr. Chu led an initiative that achieved a 55% reduction in IV fluid use within two weeks, preventing any patient harm or procedure cancellations while simultaneously identifying long-term opportunities for standardizing care and reducing plastic waste. Under her clinical leadership, Advocate Health has also documented a 14% improvement in its mortality rate since late 2022.

Before her tenure at Advocate Health, Dr. Chu served as Senior Vice President and Chief Quality Officer at Henry Ford Health System in Detroit. An alumna of the University of Michigan, where she earned her MD and an MBA from the Ross School of Business, her expertise is frequently sought by national organizations. She serves on the Leapfrog Hospital Advisory Committee and is an elected member of the American Medical Association Council on Medical Service, contributing to the national dialogue on healthcare quality and delivery.

Aligning Expertise with a Holistic Mission

Dr. Chu's appointment is particularly significant in the context of Nemours Children's Health's evolving strategic direction. The organization has moved decisively beyond traditional medical treatment with its "Well Beyond Medicine" philosophy, which champions a "Whole Child Health" approach. This model seeks to address the full spectrum of a child's needs, including social and environmental factors like nutrition, food security, education, and mental well-being.

Her deep experience in health equity and strategic planning aligns directly with this mission. Nemours has made health equity a cornerstone of its new five-year strategy, a commitment solidified by the launch of the Ginsburg Institute for Health Equity at Nemours Children's Health. Dr. Chu's track record in large, diverse health systems provides the board with critical insight into implementing and scaling equity initiatives effectively across a multistate network that includes two freestanding children's hospitals and over 70 care practices.

Her operational acumen is expected to be a major asset as Nemours continues to pioneer new models of care. For instance, her experience in system-wide quality improvement will be invaluable in supporting and expanding programs like the nation's first pediatric Advanced Care at Home program, launched by Nemours in late 2025. This program, which uses technology to allow children with complex conditions to heal at home, requires the exact kind of rigorous safety protocols and operational efficiency that Dr. Chu has championed throughout her career.

Shaping the Future of Pediatric Healthcare

The appointment arrives at a pivotal moment for the pediatric healthcare industry. The sector is grappling with a systemic shift from a fee-for-service model that treats illness to a value-based model that promotes wellness and prevention. Central to this transformation is a growing understanding of the profound impact of social determinants of health (SDOH) and the urgent need to address deep-seated health disparities.

Bringing a leader with Dr. Chu's specific blend of clinical, operational, and policy expertise to the governing board is a clear signal of Nemours' intent to lead this transformation. Effective board governance in today's healthcare environment requires more than just financial oversight; it demands a sophisticated understanding of clinical integration, quality metrics, and population health strategies. Clinical leaders on boards are uniquely positioned to ensure that strategic plans are not only ambitious but also clinically sound and executable on the front lines of care.

Dr. Chu's presence will help ensure that Nemours remains agile and responsive to the evolving needs of children and families. Her comprehensive understanding of strategic planning and policy engagement will support the organization's long-term objectives as it navigates the complex regulatory and economic landscape of American healthcare. This strategic enhancement of the board reinforces the 90-year legacy of the Alfred I. duPont Charitable Trust, which has consistently enabled The Nemours Foundation to adapt and innovate in its mission to serve children. Her expertise will be a vital component in guiding Nemours' work to create a more equitable and healthier future for all children.