In her nearly six years in her leadership role, Ms. Chacón cultivated an environment of growth and innovation within the state’s only full-service pediatric healthcare center. Children’s Nebraska opened the nine-story Hubbard Center for Children in 2021, nearly doubling the hospital’s physical footprint with new construction for neonatal and pediatric intensive care units, fetal care center, cardiac care unit, expanded surgical suites, radiology and emergency departments and helipad, all under one roof. She led construction of Behavioral Health & Wellness Center at Children’s Nebraska, with a “No Wrong Door” care model ensuring timely, appropriate care for children needing behavioral health support, opening this year as the region’s first of its kind with a full spectrum of pediatric mental health services in a comprehensive location. She drives strategic partnerships and capabilities to support innovative care, including the Mammel Innovation Center. Children’ Nebraska introduced “People First Promise,” grounded in purpose, belonging, joy, wellbeing, and learning and growth. The culture supports above-benchmark team member engagement, reflected in 90th-percentile engagement scores from 2022-2025. The 2025 team member retention rate of 88.7% puts Children’s Nebraska in the top 10% of children’s hospitals nationwide. Team members have a voice and are highly engaged across the organization. Children’s Nebraska experienced a 35% reduction in turnover since 2021 and team member attendance at quarterly virtual town halls regularly eclipses 80%. Team member and provider engagement have increased by 36.9 and 86.7 points, respectively, since 2021.
