Donna Teach |  2025 SHSMD Leadership Excellence Award Recipient

SHSMD is pleased to announce that Donna Teach, Chief Marketing and Communication Officer for Nationwide Children’s Hospital, has been named the recipient of our 2025 Leadership Excellence Award. Donna has dedicated her career to health care marketing and communication, with nearly 30 years of service at Nationwide Children’s, one of America’s largest pediatric academic medical centers.

Donna is also one of the leaders behind Nationwide Children’s creation of The Kids Mental Health Foundation, which is committed to providing expert-created resources and tools to all U.S. communities—empowering everyone to understand and promote mental health for children. Since 2018, the Foundation has provided free resources to more than 24 million parents, teachers, coaches, and providers.

As an active member of SHSMD for many decades, Donna has served two terms on the Advisory Board and volunteered on multiple committees. She helped create both versions of the Bridging Worlds reports, as well as SHSMD’s Public Relations and Communication in Health Care Settings Certification Course.

In the Words of Donna’s Nominators

"I can think of no better example of innovation and someone who 'erases the boundaries of business' to create meaningful, lasting impact than Donna… Donna’s leadership and drive in creating the Kids Mental Health Foundation has materially improved health care for many children nationally."

"Donna’s commitment to uplifting others is central to her leadership style — she is always quick to celebrate others’ contributions before her own."

"Her leadership, innovation, and commitment have significantly advanced both our profession and SHSMD itself... she embodies the very qualities this award was created to recognize: strategic vision, groundbreaking innovation, and empathetic leadership."

"Donna’s leadership has been vital to Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s growth… Nearly everything about the way people view our hospital — from our logo to our public commitments to behavioral and population health — has come as a result of Donna’s guidance and leadership."