Statement on the retirement of The Children’s Inn Co-Founder and CEO Kathy Russell

I want to take this opportunity to publicly congratulate and thank one of our beloved heroes, Kathy Russell, who has done so much throughout her career to make other people’s lives better. Kathy is retiring after co-founding and serving as the chief executive officer of The Children’s Inn for the past 10 years, and before that as an administrator for pediatrics at the National Cancer Institute. I have worked closely with Kathy over many years and have always marveled at her energy, focus, and creativity in making sure that the children who come to the NIH for treatment and their families have a home away from home. During her tenure, she pushed for a major expansion of the Inn, established Woodmont House for longer-term patients, and helped build a fabulous new playground, among her many accomplishments. She is a compassionate leader who has truly made the world a better place. In fact, People Magazine chose Kathy as a hero among us.

Kathy, on behalf of everyone at the NIH, we wish you the very best as you begin your new chapter.  Thank you for everything you’ve done for our patients and their families.

Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D.
Director, National Institutes of Health