Dr. James Mandell Appointed Chairman of Franciscan Hospital for Children Board of Directors

Franciscan Hospital for Children, the leading rehabilitation, behavioral health, sub-acute care and education center in New England, announced today that Dr. James Mandell has been appointed chairman of the Hospital’s Board of Directors. Dr. Mandell currently practices Pediatric Urology at Boston Children’s Hospital and is the distinguished Robert and Dana Smith Professor at Harvard Medical School. He previously served as the Chief Executive Officer at Boston Children’s Hospital for 13 years, retiring from the position in 2013. Dr. Mandell’s extensive background, both as a physician and as administrator, more than qualifies him to aid in furthering the philosophies and successes of Franciscan.

During his tenure at Boston Children’s, Dr. Mandell was a member of the Board of Trustees and Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School. Before joining Children’s, he served as Dean of Albany Medical College and Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics and, in 1996, he was promoted from Chief of Urology to Dean of Albany Medical College. He also served as Executive Vice President for Health Affairs at Albany Medical Center and Executive Medical Director of Albany Medical Center Hospital. Prior to his tenure at Albany Medical College, he was a member of the medical staff at Boston Children’s Hospital for nine years, advancing to an associate in Surgery with an associate professor appointment at Harvard Medical School.

“Dr. Mandell has deep knowledge and understanding of the pediatric healthcare landscape and an appreciation for the critical role Franciscan Hospital for Children plays in it. He is a trusted and accomplished physician whose commitment to the health and wellness of children and families everywhere is immeasurable,” said John D. Nash, CEO and President of Franciscan Hospital for Children. “His appointment strengthens our ties in the community and will undoubtedly help propel Franciscan forward. We are honored to have him on the Board.”

In addition to his new position as Board Chairman for Franciscan, Dr. Mandell also serves on the Board of Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, is a member of the Board of bluebird bio, and serves as Chairman of the Board for the Harvard Risk Management Company. Dr. Mandell holds a medical degree from the University of Florida College Of Medicine, as well as a Master’s in Health Systems Management from Union College, New York. He currently resides in Brookline, Mass. with his wife Val Mandell, M.D.