Top 100 Women of Impact: Marcy Doderer

Marcy Doderer

President & CEO, Arkansas Children’s

About me: I lead the state’s only pediatric health system serving the children in Arkansas and beyond. I focus on improving child health by advancing patient care, building community and championing excellence through digital transformation and innovative partnerships. 

I transformed Arkansas Children’s from one hospital in Little Rock into a system with two hospitals, a research institute, philanthropic foundation, regional clinics and alliances, telemedicine and statewide outreach programs in all 75 counties. I also led the creation of a statewide clinically integrated network to advance quality initiatives for children across the state of Arkansas.

As a true champion for children, I seek out opportunities locally and nationally to advocate for child health issues and to be a voice for children.


Lives in: Little Rock • Works in: Little Rock and Springdale

Best Career Advice: If you put the patient at the center of the decision, you can’t make a bad decision.

Lesson Learned the Hard Way: If you need to send a tough message via email, save it to draft and let it sit before hitting send. Better yet, reconsider sending tough messages via email. Pick up the phone or walk down the hall and find the courage to address the issue in person.

Proudest Moment of Impact: Successfully opening Arkansas Children’s Northwest and bringing high quality pediatric care to northwest Arkansas. We haven’t eliminated the need to travel for care, but we have certainly reduced the need substantially. Moreover, we are now in the position to expand again, both in northwest and central Arkansas.

Call to Action: The children in our country are facing a serious mental health crisis. Arkansas Children’s will continue to engage a broad range of partners, sharing data, focusing on early detection and intervention and coordinating resources to provide timely access to care. We believe we can help children in crisis by coordinating better systems of care for them and advocating on their behalf to eventually reduce the stigma mental health issues carry in our communities.


TOP 100 WOMEN OF IMPACT IN ARKANSAS 2023
A Women’s Foundation of Arkansas Initiative

Related Articles