St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children experiences its third leadership change in under two years.

St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, a vital safety-net healthcare provider in North Philadelphia, has announced the appointment of Claire Alminde as its new acting president. This marks the hospital’s third leadership change within a span of less than three years, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the institution in terms of leadership stability.

Alminde, who has dedicated 37 years of service to St. Christopher’s, previously held the position of chief nursing officer. Her extensive experience within the hospital is expected to facilitate a smoother transition as she steps into the leadership role. This appointment also underscores the hospital’s commitment to its mission amidst a backdrop of transitions at the executive level. Since February 2024, Alminde is the third individual to be appointed in an interim capacity to the top management position, following a pattern of frequent leadership changes that has prompted concern among stakeholders. This instability continues to affect the institution, which has already seen four leaders since the year 2020.

The ownership of St. Christopher’s has been shared equally between Drexel University and Tower Health since 2019. Despite Alminde’s new appointment, there are currently no immediate plans to initiate a search for a permanent CEO. Tower Health has indicated that its main focus is on ensuring Alminde’s successful onboarding and leadership, expressing gratitude for her willingness to serve in this interim capacity as needed.

Alminde succeeds Jodi Coombs, who served as interim president and CEO earlier this year. Coombs had taken over the role following Robert Brooks, who was appointed after the departure of the last permanent CEO, Don Mueller. Mueller announced his exit due to family reasons, a move that has since drawn criticism from state health officials, particularly concerning safety lapses attributed to his absence in Philadelphia.

The hospital, operationally supported by Tower Health, serves a patient demographic where approximately 85% of individuals are reliant on Medicaid, making it a significant provider for low-income families in the region. In recent years, St. Christopher’s has relied on considerable financial assistance from local healthcare entities, yet it has faced significant financial challenges, including a reported operating loss of .6 million in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.

As St. Christopher’s navigates these multifaceted challenges, Alminde’s leadership will be instrumental in steering the hospital toward a more stable and financially sustainable future.