“For 25 years, my professional career has been focused on helping kids,” Leste states. She is excited to continue this work at UI Health Care and Stead Family Children’s Hospital, an organization known for its clinical excellence and family-centered pediatric care. Leste is grateful to be joining a team of exceptional professionals and looks forward to working with them to fulfill the mission of helping children.
As the chief administrative officer of Stead Family Children’s Hospital, Leste will provide on-site leadership, overseeing financial performance, clinical quality, and employee, physician, and community relations. Melissa Whisler, MBA, MHA, who has been serving in this position on an interim basis since January 2023, will now transition to chief of staff to the CEO of the clinical enterprise.