Madeline Bell, President and CEO of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, will receive the 2023 William Penn Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a business executive in Greater Philadelphia, from the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia.

The award, which has been given annually since 1949, recognizes an individual for his/her outstanding contributions toward the betterment of the region, professional accomplishments, and commitment to charity, as well as to the community. Bell will be honored in April 2024.

“By leading with empathy and authenticity, Madeline Bell has made a profound impact in the lives of so many families in our region,” said Chellie Cameron, the chamber’s President and CEO. “With Madeline at the helm, CHOP has been a major driver of growth and innovation. I’m proud to work with her to position Greater Philadelphia as a top global destination for business and a leader in inclusive growth.”

Bell began her career as a pediatric nurse at CHOP in 1983, later leaving the organization to move into hospital administration. She returned to CHOP in 1995 and has since held a number of leadership positions, advancing from Vice President to Senior Vice President to Executive Vice President to Chief Operating Officer. In 2015, she assumed the title of President and CEO.

Bell has made numerous contributions to CHOP, including:

• the development of one of the largest pediatric ambulatory care networks in the country
• the expansion of the four-million-square-foot Philadelphia Campus
• the creation of the 250,000-square-foot Middleman Family Pavilion, an inpatient hospital on CHOP’s King of Prussia campus
• the development of the Center for Advanced Behavioral Healthcare in West Philadelphia

She has also led the development of many nationally recognized clinical care programs and has secured many philanthropic gifts to help further the organization’s mission.

“Great leaders inspire others, and it’s leaders like Madeline who serve as an inspiration to us all as the chamber works toward a brighter future in the Greater Philadelphia region,” said Mike Innocenzo, chair of the chamber’s Board of Directors and President and Chief Executive Officer of PECO. “Madeline’s remarkable vision and strategic mindset will continue to have a positive impact on the advancement of life sciences in ways we can all be proud of.”

Bell is the host of “Breaking Through with Madeline Bell,” a podcast that features interviews with CHOP patients, doctors, and scientists, as well as with philanthropists and innovators who support CHOP’s mission. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Villanova University and a master’s degree in Organizational Dynamics from the University of Pennsylvania.

“I am honored and humbled to join the distinguished list of Philadelphians who have received the William Penn Award,” said Bell. “Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia has been part of the Philadelphia community for nearly 170 years, and our team is committed to solving the toughest challenges in pediatric healthcare so that every child has the chance to thrive. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to serve our city and advocate for the children who call it home.”

Learn more about how Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, under Madeline Bell’s leadership, is always learning, growing, and exploring in an effort to deliver the highest quality, compassionate, family-centered care.