Seattle Children’s Announces New Chief Operating Officer

SEATTLE, May 18, 2026 — Seattle Children’s today announced the appointment of Katerie Chapman as senior vice president and chief operating officer (COO). Chapman is a seasoned executive with more than 25 years of experience leading complex health systems through growth and transformation. She will oversee the operational strategy for the top-ranked pediatric hospital system.

Chapman joins Seattle Children’s following a successful tenure as managing director at Kaufman Hall and a distinguished 23-year career at Virginia Mason Medical Center, where she ultimately served as president. During her leadership in Seattle, she was recognized for maintaining national excellence in quality and safety while driving significant improvements in patient experience and operational efficiency.

"Katerie is a visionary leader who understands the intricate balance of operational rigor and compassionate care," said Dr. Christopher A. Longhurst, CEO of Seattle Children’s. "Her deep roots in the healthcare community and her proven track record in leading high-performing teams make her the ideal person to lead our operations as we continue to grow and innovate for the patients and families we serve."

Chapman’s career is marked by a dedicated focus on growth, integration and sustained performance improvement. During her time as president at Virginia Mason Medical Center, she was a key contributor in helping form Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH), an expanded regional health care system.

"I have long admired Seattle Children’s for its relentless pursuit of excellence and its profound mission," said Chapman. "I am honored to return to a leadership role in this community and look forward to working alongside this world-class team to deliver measurable outcomes for the workforce and the patients and families Children’s serves."

Chapman holds a Master of Health Services Administration and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Washington. She was named one of the Puget Sound Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” and is a graduate of executive programs at both Harvard Business School and the Kellogg School of Management.