Connecticut Children’s Recruits National Healthcare Finance Leader Thomas Ricci as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Newest executive appointment continues health system's commitment to building an innovative leadership team dedicated exclusively to children's health

HARTFORD, Conn. — Connecticut Children's today announced that nationally recognized healthcare finance executive Thomas Ricci has been appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective August 31, 2026, marking another significant step in President and CEO Shannon Sullivan's effort to build a dynamic executive leadership team to guide Connecticut's only health system dedicated exclusively to children.

Ricci joins Connecticut Children's from Women & Infants Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island, where he most recently served as Senior Vice President of Finance and Interim Chief Operating Officer. Throughout his career, he has successfully led financial transformation, operational improvement, strategic growth and organizational performance initiatives within complex academic healthcare organizations.

His appointment follows the recent recruitment of nationally respected leaders including incoming Physician-in-Chief Dr. Rachel Stanley and Chief Legal Officer Yair Inspektor as Connecticut Children's continues strengthening the executive leadership team responsible for advancing its mission of improving the physical and emotional health of all children.

"From my very first day as CEO, I've been focused on building the leadership team Connecticut Children's needs not only for today, but for the future," said Shannon R. Sullivan, President and CEO of Connecticut Children's. "Tom is an exceptional leader whose experience, integrity and collaborative approach make him an outstanding addition to our organization. Strong financial stewardship isn't simply about balancing budgets. It's about creating the resources that allow us to invest in our team, expand access to care, advance research, recruit exceptional talent and continue delivering the extraordinary care children and families deserve. Tom understands that every financial decision ultimately supports our mission."

As Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Ricci will oversee the organization's financial strategy, planning, budgeting, revenue integrity and related financial operations. He will also serve as a strategic advisor to executive leadership as Connecticut Children's continues its Path to Financial Strength while investing in future growth and innovation.

"I'm honored to join Connecticut Children's at such an exciting time in the organization's history," said Tom Ricci. "What drew me here was the opportunity to be part of an organization with an incredibly important mission, talented people and a clear vision for the future. I look forward to listening, learning and partnering with colleagues across the organization as we continue building an even stronger Connecticut Children's for the patients, families and communities we serve. My commitment is to ensure every financial decision supports our ability to deliver exceptional care while investing in the people, programs and innovation that will shape the future of pediatric healthcare."

Ricci brings more than two decades of progressive healthcare finance leadership experience, including expertise in strategic financial planning, operational performance improvement, capital planning, physician enterprise finance and healthcare operations. During his tenure at Women & Infants Hospital, he played a key role in strengthening financial performance while supporting clinical expansion and organizational transformation.

"Tom understands that finance should be a partner to the entire organization," Sullivan added. "The best financial leaders don't simply report results, they help create them. His ability to build relationships, solve complex problems and support leaders across the organization will help position Connecticut Children’s for continued success.”

Ricci earned both his Master of Professional Accountancy and Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Rhode Island College.