Intermountain Health Announces New Children’s Health Leadership Roles to Build on Pediatric Legacy

Mandy Richards, DNP, RN, chief nursing executive for Intermountain Health, has been named the new president of Intermountain Children’s Health, a role in which she will build on Intermountain’s legacy of excellence expanding and integrating pediatric care across Intermountain Health’s six-state network.

Additionally, Dustin Lipson, president of Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital, Salt Lake Campus will expand his leadership role to children’s market president for the Canyons Region, overseeing the children’s hospitals and specialty outpatient pediatric care from southwestern Idaho through central Utah.

Both Richards and Lipson will also continue their current leadership roles.

The Children’s Health leadership announcements reflect Intermountain’s continued focus and alignment of pediatric care to better serve patients, families and communities and help children thrive. This follows the announcement of Katy Welkie’s retirement as chief executive officer of Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital and vice president of Intermountain Children’s Health.

“What began as a single pediatric hospital at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City has evolved into expanded access to exceptional pediatric care for children and families across multiple states served by Intermountain Health,” said Nannette Berensen, Intermountain Health’s chief operating officer. “This is an exciting time in Children’s Health, and we’re thrilled to have Mandy Richards leading the next step in our journey as we continue to further elevate care for patients and communities.”

Richards, a registered nurse with a doctorate degree in nursing practice focused on health system leadership and policy, brings a distinguished career in healthcare to Children’s Health leadership.

Prior to joining Intermountain Health in 2023, Richards served as executive vice president and chief nursing officer at Hartford HealthCare and for Allina Health in Minneapolis. She also worked in clinical and hospital operations at the Allina flagship hospital. She began her career as an ICU nurse and draws on that experience at the bedside to better support Intermountain caregivers.

“Many of our Children’s Health caregivers are nurses, so I have seen firsthand the empathy and excellence they bring to their work,” Richards said. “Children’s Health has an impressive impact on our communities; they have truly built a strong foundation of quality pediatric care. I am so privileged to have this new opportunity to lead and advocate on two fronts now, both nursing and Children’s Health. I look forward to the next step in our journey because I know we are better together.”

Lipson brings expertise in operations, pediatrics and children’s health to his expanded role. Prior to his 12 years at Primary Children’s Hospital, Lipson served as the director of healthcare transformation for Intermountain Health and as a fellow, leading many aspects of Intermountain’s population health strategy. Lipson also worked for 11 years at GE Capital in various leadership roles in finance, risk management and general management.

Lipson’s new regional role will include oversight of Primary Children’s Hospital’s Salt Lake Campus, Larry H. and Gail Miller Family Campus in Lehi, and Behavioral Health Center-Taylorsville Campus, which will open in September, as well as specialized ambulatory pediatric care from southwestern Idaho through central Utah.

“I am deeply committed to ensuring the continued success of our pediatric operations within Children’s Health, and I relish the opportunity to work together to build the model health system our children deserve,” said Lipson. “Our Children’s Health team is exceptional and it’s a tremendous privilege to serve them and our patients and families in this expanded capacity.”

“I’ve been incredibly impressed by Dustin and the significant impact he’s had at Primary Children’s Hospital,” Richards said. “He’s earned the trust and respect of his colleagues, and I’m excited to collaborate with him and draw on his expertise as we embark on the next strategic chapter for Children’s Health.”

Welkie will stay in her role through August 25 to help the transition of Children’s Health leadership.

“I have been blessed to have such a wonderful career at Primary Children’s Hospital and leading Children’s Health. I am leaving it in very capable hands,” Welkie said. “We have built a strong foundation for pediatrics in Utah, and beyond. I am proud of our past and optimistic about our future. I look forward to watching it unfold under the talented leadership of both Mandy and Dustin.”

About Intermountain Health

Headquartered in Utah with locations in six states and additional operations across the western U.S., Intermountain Health is a nonprofit system of 33 hospitals, over 400 clinics, medical groups with some 4,600 employed physicians and advanced care providers, a health plans division called Select Health with more than one million members, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. For up-to-date information and announcements, please see the Intermountain Health newsroom at https://news.intermountainhealth.org/.