Madeline Bell is the CEO of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), one of the US leading children’s hospitals. Since becoming CEO in 2015, she has led CHOP’s multi billion dollar health system and research institute, overseeing more than 31,000 employees and advancing clinical, research, and global pediatric initiatives with international reach. A visionary leader, Bell has driven the expansion of CHOP’s Philadelphia Campus, developed one of the largest pediatric ambulatory care networks in the country, and established major new facilities including the Middleman Family Pavilion and the Behavioral Health & Crisis Center.
A former pediatric nurse, Bell has held multiple leadership roles at CHOP, progressing from Vice President to President before becoming CEO. She serves on the boards of Comcast-NBCUniversal and the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, and is a recognized voice in children’s healthcare and women in leadership. Bell holds a B.S. in Nursing from Villanova University and an M.S. in Organizational Dynamics from the University of Pennsylvania.
The 100 CEOs featured here reflect the diversity and complexity of modern oncology leadership. In 2025, some lead the world’s largest cancer institutions; others guide specialized societies or emerging innovators. What unites them is responsibility: for millions of patients, for the integrity of science, and for the future direction of cancer care globally.
This list is not a celebration of power, but a recognition of stewardship, accountability, and impact – and of the leaders whose choices continue to shape the fight against cancer. For the many deserving individuals not mentioned in this list, we will continue to acknowledge, honor and elevate your voices in our daily publications from across the world.
See the full list of The 100 Influential CEOs in Oncology in 2025 and stay tuned for other special category nominations.
