VCU news

By Shira Pollard
Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU

After an extensive national search, Elias Neujahr has been named the first CEO of Children’s Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University, effective Dec. 3.

Neujahr joins CHoR from CHRISTUS Health System where he served as president of The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio. Affiliated with the Baylor College of Medicine, The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio employs more than 170 pediatric health care providers. As president, Neujahr led successful efforts to significantly improve quality outcomes while supporting operational efficiencies. He was also active in leading the growth of signature programs, including a congenital heart center, maternal/fetal health and expansions in neurosciences, oncology and orthopedics. Neujahr was also responsible for construction projects that transformed the hospital’s main campus and brought outpatient facilities to the surrounding community.

“Implementing this new CEO role is a pivotal step as we grow and continue to advance children’s health in our community and beyond,” said Deborah Davis, CEO of VCU Hospitals and Clinics, VCU Health System and vice president for clinical services at VCU. “Mr. Neujahr has spent his entire career at large, well-known children’s hospitals focusing on the needs of children and their families. His extensive experience in pediatric clinical program development, quality improvement and master facilities planning, coupled with a commitment to community partnerships and the patient experience, made him stand out among a talented pool of candidates from across the country.”

The search committee for the position included a patient’s family, hospital leadership, members of the pediatric health care community and representatives of the Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Prior to joining The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio in 2014, Neujahr served three years as vice president of operations at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital and Physicians, part of Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids, Michigan. During his tenure, the hospital achieved multiple U.S. News and World Report best children’s hospitals rankings.

Neujahr previously excelled in several roles at Women and Infants Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island, serving as director of ambulatory and physician services and associate vice president of clinical resources before being promoted to vice president of clinical resources.

“I’m excited to join Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU during a time of tremendous growth,” Neujahr said. “CHoR’s commitment to its community is evident in the expansion of its faculty, growing research portfolio, national rankings and designations, and commitment to enhance the inpatient experience through a new master facilities plan. I look forward to the transition with my wife and three young sons.”

Neujahr holds master’s degrees in both health care and business administration from the University of Colorado. He completed his undergraduate education at Colorado State University where he received a bachelor’s degree in exercise and sport science.