Q&A

Q&A with Oklahoma Children’s Hospital’s Chief Administrative Officer, Kendal Pinkston, MHA

Tell us a bit about yourself…

I’ve been married to my husband Ben since 2007, and we have two children, Jack and Gentry. Ben and I are both OU alumni and he has a dental practice in Oklahoma City. Our kids are very active in sports and we also love going to Lake Eufaula. My happy place is being on the boat, watching the kids tube, ski, or wakeboard. Sometimes I relive my glory days and water ski, myself.

What inspired you to pursue a career in children’s healthcare?

Seeing the impact we make in the lives of our patients and their families. Being in the hospital is stressful and when you’re here with your child that stress is 100-fold. Knowing that I am a part of a team that helps kids and families heal keeps me going.

What’s been your greatest experience in your years here at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital?

Seeing how we have expanded services for patients from the facility expansion of Labor and Delivery to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Also, program expansion including the Children’s Heart Center, Robotic Surgery Program, and our Expanded Neurosciences Program.

What can you share about your vision and future plans here at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital?

I am so excited about growing our Emergency Department, which is crucial, as we’ve seen an increase of children needing emergency services.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

The one thing that stands out is that this isn’t about me; this is about taking care of kids and families. I approach my role with that mindset—How can I ensure that Oklahoma Children’s Hospital is doing the very best to take care of them?

How do you revitalize yourself?

I enjoy working out. A good run helps to clear my mind.

How do you see philanthropy supporting the mission of Oklahoma Children’s Hospital now and in the future?

Philanthropy has already done so much to help support our mission. From the Quincy Le Norman Nutrition Center to the Merritt Family’s gifts to our NICU, we are starting to see philanthropic dollars at work all over the hospital. Being able to connect with donors to understand how Oklahoma Children’s Hospital has impacted their life and how to honor that impact is very rewarding.

Kendal, her husband Ben and children, Jack and Gentry