St. Christopher’s Hospital Names Claire Alminde Acting President Amid Leadership Turnover
St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children has appointed Chief Nursing Officer Claire Alminde as acting president, effective immediately. The announcement marks the North Philadelphia safety-net hospital’s third executive leadership change in less than two years. Alminde replaces Jodi Coombs, who had served as interim president and CEO since April 2025.
Leadership Timeline and Turnover
The transition continues a period of executive flux for the institution.
- January 2026: Claire Alminde is named acting president.
- April 2025: Jodi Coombs was appointed interim president and CEO, succeeding Robert Brooks.
- February 2024: Robert Brooks took the helm following the resignation of Don Mueller, who left to return to his home state of Tennessee.
Strategic Implications and Stability Concerns
While the hospital’s board has expressed confidence in Alminde’s deep clinical experience and familiarity with the hospital’s operations, the frequency of these transitions has raised questions regarding long-term administrative stability. Industry analysts note that frequent turnover at the executive level can complicate strategic planning, donor relations, and the implementation of multi-year operational improvements. The appointment of an “acting” leader, following an “interim” tenure, suggests a continued search for a permanent governance solution.
Institutional Background
St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children is a critical healthcare provider for Philadelphia’s children, particularly Medicaid beneficiaries. The hospital is jointly owned by Tower Health and Drexel University, a partnership formed to acquire the facility out of bankruptcy in late 2019. Since the acquisition, the hospital has navigated significant challenges, including financial restructuring and regulatory scrutiny. In 2024, the hospital operated under a temporary license while addressing safety and operational lapses identified by state inspectors; those specific issues were subsequently addressed under previous leadership.
Statement of Direction
Hospital representatives stated that Alminde’s leadership will focus on maintaining clinical excellence and operational continuity. The board has not yet released a timeline for selecting a permanent Chief Executive Officer.
