Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Appoints Chief Physician Executive
ATLANTA (September 3, 2025) – Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta has announced Jared Muenzer, MD, as its new Chief Physician Executive, effective September 1. For the last several months, Dr. Muenzer has served in an interim role leading the Children's Physician Group and bringing valuable experience and expertise to the physician organization.
As Chief Physician Executive, Dr. Muenzer will build a premier physician enterprise to make Children’s one of the best places in the country for physicians to work. Dr. Muenzer will work closely with Children’s Pediatrician-in-Chief, Shari Barkin, MD, and Surgeon-in-Chief, Edwin Smith, MD, to better integrate the missions of clinical, research and teaching. He also will lead physician practice operations, primary care and The Children’s Care Network, a comprehensive pediatric clinically integrated network designed to improve collaboration between Children’s and community physicians.
“I am thrilled that Dr. Muenzer will join Children’s in this leadership role as we continue to grow and strengthen our offerings for the children in Georgia,” said Donna Hyland, Chief Executive Officer. “Children’s prioritizes strong physician leadership, and the addition of this new role will reinforce our dedication to establishing a nationally renowned physician organization.”
Dr. Muenzer plans to continue working as an emergency room physician to stay close to the Children’s mission of caring for children.
Prior to joining Children’s, Dr. Muenzer served as Chief Physician Executive at Phoenix Children's, where he oversaw Phoenix Children’s Medical Group across the enterprise including clinical care, behavioral health, Phoenix Children’s Care Network, primary care, research and medical education.
After earning his medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Medicine in 2001, Dr. Muenzer completed a residency in pediatrics and a fellowship in pediatric emergency medicine, both at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. In 2014, he earned an MBA from the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University.
About Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
As the only freestanding pediatric healthcare system in Georgia, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is the trusted leader in caring for kids. The not-for-profit organization’s mission is to make kids better today and healthier tomorrow through more than 60 pediatric specialties and programs, top healthcare professionals, and leading research and technology. Children’s is one of the largest pediatric clinical care providers in the country, managing more than one million patient visits annually at three hospitals (Arthur M. Blank, Hughes Spalding and Scottish Rite), Marcus Autism Center, the Center for Advanced Pediatrics, the Zalik Behavioral and Mental Health Center, urgent care centers and neighborhood locations. Consistently ranked among the top children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta has impacted the lives of kids in Georgia, across the United States and around the world for more than 100 years thanks to generous support from the community.