Lurie Children’s Hospital Recruits Audrey Williams-Lee as Chief People Officer

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago has recruited a top senior leader, Audrey Williams-Lee, as the Chief People Officer. The hospital changed the title of this role from Chief Human Resources Officer to emphasize the importance of people in advancing its mission. Ms. Williams-Lee will start her new position on July 12, 2021.

“Audrey brings impressive experience leading a diverse, service-oriented workforce in major companies, such as the Hyatt Hotels Corporation and McDonald’s Corporation,” said Tom Shanley, MD, President & CEO of Lurie Children’s. “We expect to benefit from her new perspectives, rich experience in human resources and deep commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome her enthusiasm to help us successfully navigate the transformational changes facing Lurie Children’s as the healthcare industry moves into the future.”

In addition to her experience with the Hyatt and McDonalds, Ms. Williams-Lee is passionate about child health and wellbeing; some of her community involvement includes working with organizations to help kids heal from trauma. She serves or has recently served on several mission-driven boards to include Youth Guidance in Chicago, Hephzibah Children’s Association, and Oak Park & River Forest High School’s Community Council. She also has presented at several conferences and summits focused on the Future of Work, Equity in Hiring, and Work and Economic Mobility. 

“To meet the demands of a competitive market and dynamic industry, having a talented, diverse, engaged, and well-developed workforce will further accelerate Lurie Children’s success, says Ms. Williams-Lee. “With nearly 140 years of focusing on the health and wellbeing of all children, Lurie Children’s commitment to providing outstanding healthcare for children, as well as care for families and communities, is unparalleled. I look forward to working with Dr. Shanley and the rest of the executive leadership team to strengthen this foundation and position the organization as an employer of choice.”

A Chicago native, Ms. Williams-Lee received her Master of Science, Management & Organizational Behavior degree from Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois, and her Bachelor of Science, Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences degree from Northwestern University. She is a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR).

Lurie Children’s is ranked as one of the nation’s top children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report. It is the pediatric training ground for Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Last year, the hospital served more than 220,000 children from 48 states and 49 countries.