Natalie A. Wilkins has joined Cook Children’s Health Care System as Chief of Staff. This new position will play an integral role, supporting and coordinating strategic priorities for the system in alignment with the President and Chief Executive Officer Rick W. Merrill.
“In addition to being a driving force in the direction and management of Cook Children’s strategic initiatives, Natalie Wilkins will play a vital role in internal and external communication on behalf of the Executive Office of Cook Children’s,” Merrill said. “I’m excited to welcome Natalie to Cook Children’s because I know her wealth of experience and expertise will have a valuable impact on the health system’s strategic vision, as well on our promise to improve the health of every child in our region.”
Wilkins comes to Cook Children’s from North Texas Specialty Physicians where she most recently served as administrative director of clinical programs. She first joined the independent physician association in 2011as director of accountable care operations before being tapped to lead the funding, testing, operating and sustaining of health innovations focused on advanced illness strategies. She also previously served as director of system leadership and hospital operations at Baylor Scott & White in Dallas from 2009 to 2011.
Wilkins holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing from Baylor University and a Master of Science degree in Health Care Administration from Trinity University. She began her role as Chief of Staff at Cook Children’s on July 25, 2016.