SALT LAKE CITY–John Lauck, president and CEO of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, has died due to complications following a bike accident.
Lauck, 64, had led the organization, which is closely aligned with credit unions, since 2011. CMN Hospitals has named Teri Nestel as interim CEO.
“The entire Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals community mourns John’s loss and extends their deepest sympathies to his family,” the organization said in a statement. “John had a remarkable passion for children’s hospitals and inspired communities across North America to help millions of sick and injured kids.
Added Bill Cheney, CEO of SchoolsFirst Credit Union and a member of the CMN Hospitals Board of Trustees, “John’s passing is a tremendous loss for our network; he will be missed by many. For nine years, he has lead CMN Hospitals to incredible fundraising growth. What’s most impressive is he has done it by always keeping the important mission of saving kids’ lives at the center of everything our network does. John was a great advocate for the credit union industry, ensuring a spot at the table for representatives to sit on national boards.”
Todd Clark, CEO of CO-OP Financial Services and also a CMN Hospitals Board of Trustees member, said, “CMN Hospitals and Credit Unions for Kids will honor John’s legacy by continuing to raise funds for children’s hospitals across North America. John created a culture within this network that when we can Change Kids Health, we can Change the Future. CO-OP Financial Services joins Credit Unions for Kids in their effort to raise critical funds for kids in need.”
‘Outpouring of Love’
Lauck’s family issued this statement: “As John’s family — his wife Alison, his sons Ryan (Leia), Alan (Jhoi), Eric (Kate), and Ethan, along with John’s parents John and Evelyn Lauck, siblings, and other family members — we would like to express our sincere appreciation for the outpouring of love and support our family has received since John’s tragic accident. John’s life impacted so many of us in remarkable ways, and we are grateful for the expressions of kindness and concern as we have navigated this unspeakably difficult journey.”
Prior to leading CMN Hospitals, Lauck served as co-CEO of Mrs. Fields Famous Brands and had served in senior marketing roles for Arby’s, PepsiCo/Pizza Hut, General Mills, Blockbuster and Footaction.
According to CMN Hospitals, those wishing to express condolences to the family and share memories of John, please email johnlauckmemorial@gmail.com. In lieu of flowers, the organization is asking people consider donating to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in John’s name.
Interim CEO Named
Teri Nestel has been named interim president and CEO, with Children's Miracle Network saying it has also formed a CEO search committee.
“John’s death is a tremendous loss for our organization and he will be missed terribly,” said Nana Mensah, CMN Hospitals’ Board of Trustees chair. “Teri is a strong, accomplished leader who will ensure we are meeting the organization’s commitment to raise vital funds for children’s hospitals.“
Nestel, whose interim CEO role begins immediately, had been serving as the organization’s Chief Administration Officer, leading information services, finance and accounting, human resources and legal and compliance. She began her career with CMN Hospitals in 1989 and also served in various leadership and operational roles, including working with corporate partners, developing the former Cure Kids Cancer brand and serving as Chief Operating Officer of the former Children’s Miracle Network United Kingdom and Ireland.
“I’m truly humbled and honored to serve the organization during this difficult time,” Nestel said in a statement. “John made a significant impact on our organization — one of which was developing a strong culture of resilience and dedication. We will honor John’s memory by continuing to keep the focus on helping kids. We will get through this together and be stronger than ever.”