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The Children’s Institute Adds Two New Members to its Senior Leadership Team

PITTSBURGH, Aug. 9, 2022 – The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh is pleased to announce that two professionals have recently joined the organization’s senior leadership team.

John Murphy, LCSW, CAADC joined The Children’s Institute as the new chief program officer. Murphy is a licensed clinical social worker with nearly 25 years of experience in the social work and mental health fields. In his new role, Murphy will lead the development and execution of The Children’s Institute’s upcoming strategic plan and will also work to enhance quality metrics and outcomes and streamline data collection and analysis across the organization. Murphy joins The Children’s Institute from Wesley Family Services, where he held a variety of leadership roles over the past 16 years. He earned his master’s degree in social work from the University of Pittsburgh and a bachelor’s degree in education from Bowling Green State University.

Dr. Lauren Wright joined The Children’s Institute this summer as the vice president of people strategy. In this new role, Wright will spearhead numerous organizational priorities, including leading the Diversity Equity Inclusion & Accessibility (DEIA) and Culture initiatives. She is a Gallup certified CliftonStrengths coach and a recognized expert in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her research focuses on training managers for success in the multigenerational workplace and she has conducted numerous trainings on staff engagement and improving workplace culture. Wright joined The Children’s Institute from the University of Pittsburgh, where she served as the director of undergraduate recruitment and led efforts for domestic, international, and diversity recruitment. Wright is a three-time graduate of the University of Pittsburgh. 

“Both new members of our senior leadership team provide an abundance of experience and knowledge to The Children’s Institute,” said Dr. Wendy Pardee, president and CEO at The Children’s Institute. “John and Lauren have already made a positive impact in their short tenures and we look forward to their strategic insight and great ideas as we map out plans for an amazing future.”

About The Children’s Institute
Established in 1902, The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh is an independent and licensed nonprofit organization whose mission is: To Heal. To Teach. To Empower. To Amaze. The passionate team at The Children’s Institute is dedicated to the amazing kids and families they serve, helping children to reach their full potential through educational services, autism services, outpatient physical and behavioral health services, early intervention, and child and family services. The Children’s Institute serves more than 6,000 children each year at seven campuses across Western Pa. Visit www.amazingkids.org or call 412.420.2400 to learn more.