Health Care 2023: AMY J. SAMPSON

Sampson ascended to president and CEO of Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters in June, following the retirement of Jim Dahling, who headed the Hampton Roads health system for 20 years. She previously served as CHKD’s senior vice president and chief engagement and innovation officer.

A member of CHKD’s leadership team since 1990, Sampson has been instrumental in developing CHKD’s mental health initiative, spearheading efforts to secure government approval and financial backing for the Children’s Pavilion, a 60-bed pediatric mental health hospital and outpatient center that opened in fall 2022. Plans call for the facility to admit about 2,500 children for inpatient care every year, providing 48,000 outpatient therapy appointments annually, creating 400 jobs.

Serving a region from Williamsburg to Elizabeth City, North Carolina, CHKD employs more than 3,500 people, including about 300 pediatricians, specialists and surgeons. The system includes its namesake hospital in downtown Norfolk, with a Level 1 pediatric trauma center and an array of medical and surgical services. It also has health centers, urgent care and satellite offices at more than 40 locations.

A former Jefferson Scholar, Sampson holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia.