Leading Cook Children’s with heart

Stan Davis leads the charge in our Promise to do everything for the child

Every Cook Children’s employee has a unique superpower that helps to provide extraordinary care for each child and family who walk through our doors. It’s no surprise that Stan Davis, the president of Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth, taps in to his super ability as a teamwork champion.

Following his eight years on active duty in the Air Force, he also served 13 years and retired from the Air Force Reserve. Stan returned to his home state of Georgia and started his next career at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. During his 17 years there, he learned more about the importance of teamwork and the value each team member brings to an organization.

“It’s so important to me that every employee, no matter their area, understands their value,” said Stan. “I really believe in teamwork. Health care is integrated and our team connects the dots for our patients every step of the way.”

When a recruiter reached out to him about an opening as vice president of Support Services at Cook Children’s, Stan was a little hesitant.

“I had only visited Fort Worth one time prior to that call and and I only saw the Air Force base,” recalled Stan. “I took another trip out here and was baffled by how nice Fort Worthians are. The genuineness of the people sold me on a move from Atlanta.”

At the time of Stan’s move, Cook Children’s footprint was quite a bit smaller. But he instantly recognized how the culture here sets us apart. He wanted to be a part of our growth and the life-changing difference our health care system makes in our communities.

Despite now being a part of Cook Children’s for over 18 years, he still feels likes he’s in his first year. He continues to see the impact we can have on the patients under our blue peaks.

“The term that keeps coming to mind is ‘force multiplier,’” Stan explained. “It’s a military term that sticks with me. In the military, it refers to what you possess that will give you an overwhelming ability to win. But for us, it’s the secret sauce that will increase our effectiveness and impact. Our staff is a force multiplier. We have a purpose to fulfill our Promise. It’s what has kept me at Cook Children’s for over 18 years.”

From vice president of Support Services to chief operating officer to president, Stan believes his favorite title is “working for every employee at Cook Children’s.” He continues to marvel at the dedication of the staff in all the ways they go above and beyond to make magical moments for their patients.

As president, Stan’s days involve many meetings, but you’ll still often find him rounding the medical center, checking in on staff.

“It doesn’t matter if I’m in a meeting or in a unit, the most important part of my job is connection,” noted Stan. “My goal is to empower every employee and help align them with their purpose at Cook Children’s. Every person on our team, from our physicians to environmental staff to support staff, is important in helping the kids who need us. At the end of the day, it’s not about me. It’s about the community and what we can do for them at Cook Children’s.”

Stan Davis guest stars on CLZ-TV with bingo host, Steve Stelter, longtime volunteer

“You see the state of the world, especially everything we experienced through the pandemic. Our staff is so resilient to keep coming back and doing their job. We know our ‘why,’ and it allows us to meet every child where they are and to help them begin healing. I love what we do! I never want to take for granted the blessing of working at Cook Children’s.”

– Stan Davis