Siskin Children’s Institute Announces Board Leadership Transition and New Board Members

CHATTANOOGA, TN — Siskin Children’s Institute recently announced several updates to its Board of Directors, including the transition of Board Chair leadership from Alan Cates, Of Counsel to Husch Blackwell, to Mike Cassidy, Executive Director at Emory University. The organization also welcomed a new Vice Chair and Board Secretary and confirmed its full board membership.

After three years of service as Board Chair, Alan Cates is stepping down from his leadership role. During his tenure, he provided steady guidance as Siskin expanded services, strengthened operations, and advanced access to high-quality, evidence-based care for children and families.

“Serving as Board Chair for Siskin Children’s Institute has been an honor,” said Alan Cates. “I am proud of what we’ve accomplished together; from expanding services and improving access to care, to strengthening the organization’s foundation for the future. Siskin is delivering meaningful, evidence-based services that truly change lives, and I am confident in its continued growth and direction.”

Under Alan’s leadership, Siskin Children’s Institute made significant progress over the past few years, including:

• Installment of President and CEO, Don Mueller
  • Reduced patient waitlists and improved access to services
  • Expanded clinical offerings, including the addition of physical therapy
  • Integrated new technology to enhance efficiency and patient experience
  • Increased revenue to support long-term sustainability and program growth
  • Revamped StarNight to keep children at the center of impact while strengthening fundraising outcomes and revenue growth
  • Strengthened care coordination and expanded access to evidence-based services for children with developmental needs and their families

These efforts reflect Siskin’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality care that helps children reach their fullest potential.

Mike Cassidy will now serve as Board Chair. Cassidy brings extensive leadership experience in healthcare and academic medicine, including his work with Emory, where he has supported organizational strategy, clinical excellence, and system-level improvement.

“I am honored to step into the role of Board Chair at Siskin Children’s Institute,” said Mike Cassidy. “Alan has provided strong and thoughtful leadership during a time of economic challenges and important growth. Siskin’s commitment to evidence-based care and measurable outcomes for children and families is what sets us apart, and I look forward to helping advance that mission while building on the strong momentum already in place.”

Siskin Children’s Institute also announced updates to its Board of Directors leadership. Patrick Magoon, former CEO of Lurie Children’s Hospital, will serve as Vice Chair, and Bruce Komiske, former Project Executive at Fareri Associates, will serve as Board Secretary.

The organization also welcomes both new and continuing board members whose expertise and perspectives will further strengthen Siskin’s mission-driven work.

The Siskin Children’s Institute Board of Directors includes: Michael Cassidy, Board Chair with Emory University; Patrick Magoon, Vice Chair formerly with Lurie Children’s Hospital; Bruce Komiske, Board Secretary formerly with Fareri Associates; Chris Rutledge, Treasurer and Finance Chair with Pinnacle Financial; Amanda Johns, People Committee Chair with PlayCore; Dr. Jim Shire, Program Committee Chair with Shire Facial Plastic Surgery; Alan Cates, Immediate Past Chair with Husch Blackwell; David Binder, Board Member with Siskin Steel & Supply Company; Steve Burkett, Board Member formerly with Erlanger Health System; Cynthia Dale, Board Member formerly with Silverdale Baptist Academy; MaryStewart Lewis, Board Member with Oakbridge; Terry McElveen, Board Member formerly with BB&T; Bill Stiles, Board Member formerly with The Johnson Group; and Rachael Welch, Board Member with Crazy Grace Farms.

Siskin Children’s Institute remains committed to helping children with special needs reach their full potential through comprehensive therapies, diagnostic services, and family support programs grounded in evidence-based practices.