Jim Gordon Interviews Sheldon Stein, President and CEO, Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital

Sheldon Stein, the longest-serving leader in Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital’s 100-year history, joined the hospital in 1995, holding positions as Vice President of Patient Care Services, Chief Operating Officer, and President and CEO for the last 20 years. During his tenure, Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital has grown from 151 employees and $19 million in net assets to 550 employees and $122 million in net assets and expanded locations from Baltimore City to Prince George’s County, Harford County, via Telehealth, and in the community.

For two decades, Stein’s leadership has been instrumental in elevating Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital as a leader in post-acute pediatric care. Most notably, in 2006, he played a pivotal role in establishing the historic joint ownership of Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital with two leading academic medical systems: The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) and Johns Hopkins Medicine (JHM).

Stein’s healthcare career started 50 years ago as a respiratory therapist, holding several hospital-based positions in New York and Colorado before joining Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital. He is a Fellow of The American College of Health Care Executives and a member of The Maryland Chapter of Health Care Administrators, has served on several committees for both the Children’s Hospital Association and the Maryland Hospital Association, and is recognized as one of The Daily Record’s “Most Admired CEOs.”

Jim is the Principal of Summit Group Consulting, a strategic communications and brand reputation company. Gordon works with a range of clients from non-profits to healthcare, cybersecurity to education, and he helps each client with cultivating and telling their story.

Developing and leading innovative, results-generating communications strategies and campaigns are Gordon’s expertise and passion. He has 25 years of experience in managing teams that excel at all aspects of communications including brand and product launches, crisis communications, and social media. Prior to founding Summit, Gordon was Group Vice President of Corporate Brand and Reputation for Time Warner Cable (TWC), where he led and developed teams that directed corporate communications, corporate social responsibility, community investment, and employee engagement. He was responsible for the company’s portfolio of community partnerships and investments, including Connect a Million Minds, a $100 million philanthropic initiative. Gordon also provided strategic guidance to TWC executives on a range of issues.

Gordon serves on the Board of Navigators USA and the Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital Foundation. He earned his Bachelor of Science and Communications from Towson University, and his Master of Modern Studies from Loyola College. He is a graduate of CTAM University at Harvard Business School and the Arthur Page Future Leaders Program. Gordon resides in Baltimore, MD.

Connect with Sheldon and Jim on LinkedIn

Interview questions:

Introduction | Tell us about Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital, patients, services, locations, etc.

Centennial | This year Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Who was the founder, and why was the hospital started?

Evolving Care | How has Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital’s care evolved over the last 100 years?

Retirement Announcement | You announced your retirement as President & CEO this week. As the longest-serving leader in the hospital’s 100-year history, reflect on your time at Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital and tell us about your decision.

50-Year Career | You’ve been in healthcare for 50 years. Tell us about your experience and how that has shaped who you are as a leader.

Growing Footprint | How has Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital grown during your tenure? What capital improvements have you made?

Unique Ownership | Tell us about Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital’s unique ownership and your role in helping to secure it.

Innovation | You are known for championing and empowering your staff to innovate. Tell us about some of the technology, techniques, and programs you’ve helped bring to Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital.

Hope Heal Grow | You are closing out your career with the largest fundraising campaign in the hospital’s 100-year history. Tell us about it.

Leaving a Legacy | What are your values? How have you embedded them into Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital’s culture for a lasting legacy?

The Next Chapter | What will you miss most about Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital? What’s next for you?

The Next 100 Years | What is your vision for the next 100 years of Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital?

Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital celebrates 100 years of providing family-focused, coordinated care to all children, including those with serious, chronic, or complex medical needs. Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital was founded in 1922 by Hortense Kahn Eliasberg, who sought to open a home where children could safely recover from illness and surgery. Today, 100 years stronger, the hospital treats more than 8,500 patients each year, helping them heal, grow, and learn the skills that lead to happier, more independent lives. The 102-bed hospital is a jointly owned affiliate of the University of Maryland Medical System and Johns Hopkins Medicine, with locations in Baltimore City, Prince George’s County, Harford County, via Telehealth, and in the community.