At St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, we strive to live out our core values every day. These seven principles guide us in our behaviors and decisions, ultimately empowering every employee to deliver on our mission — finding cures and saving children.
Value 1
Always recognize that advancing treatment for children with catastrophic diseases is at the center of everything we do.
This is why we exist. It’s what we do.
Honoree Spotlight
Michael Rusch
Computational Biology
By creating and maintaining databases crucial to the research of St. Jude, Michael plays a pivotal role in advancing treatment for children. His strategic thinking and keen eye for detail helped lay the groundwork for the Pediatric Cancer Dependencies Accelerator, a scientific collaborative focused on filling critical gaps in knowledge about the biological basis of childhood cancer and how it can be treated more effectively.
“Michael Rusch is constantly asking himself how the data infrastructure he sets up today will enable lifesaving breakthroughs tomorrow.”
Value 2
Do what is right; take ownership of what you do.
We know what is right. It’s up to us to own our actions — and do what is right.
Honoree Spotlight
Phillip Sisti
Food Services
Phillip is a natural problem solver who works behind the scenes to set up massive St. Jude events, including Judestock, Heritage Fest, and the many conferences and symposiums that draw thousands of attendees to the institution’s campus each year. Whether he’s ironing out last-minute kinks in event plans or giving advice on the ideal event set up, Phillip’s colleagues know he is someone who takes ownership of what he does.
“No matter the challenge, Sisti shows up with a smile on his face, radiating patience and positivity.”
Value 3
Work with purpose and urgency — your efforts matter.
Every role in our institution contributes to our mission. Every moment, every decision and every idea matter.
Honoree Spotlight
Sharnise Mitchell, PhD
Chemical Biology and Therapeutics
As research program manager, Sharnise works with purpose and urgency to ensure shipments of small-molecule compounds are delivered to her team in the best possible condition and ready for use in advancing drug discovery research. From deftly handling logistical crises to providing calm, reassuring leadership, her efforts matter at St. Jude.
“Mitchell is proof that heroes don’t have to wear capes — they just have to show up and work with purpose and urgency to make a difference.”
Value 4
Embrace the challenge to create a new tomorrow.
Every person on our campus has something to contribute to our mission. Even during change and growth, keep sight of the power you have to influence and ignite the work around you.
Honoree Spotlight
Maris Brown
Quality and Patient Safety
That St. Jude not only meets but surpasses the highest standards for health care facilities is in large part thanks to Maris and her team members. She recently guided the institution through a major transition to a new, global health care accrediting body, and the team she leads is responsible for working to rapidly address any safety concerns.
“She works tirelessly with colleagues in nearly every department across St. Jude to improve and standardize the work to create a better tomorrow for St. Jude and its patients.”
Value 5
Work collaboratively and help others to succeed.
True success doesn’t happen on an individual basis. It requires all of us supporting and inspiring one another to reach new heights.
Honoree Spotlight
Megan Bolling, RN
Nursing
From decorating rooms to creating personalized games, Megan is always looking to work with her fellow pediatric oncology nurses to brighten patients’ hospital stays. She’s just as passionate about helping her team succeed as a member of the New Resident Advisory Board and the Professional Achievements and Advancements Council.
“Always willing to guide new staff members, she helps educate graduate nurses and other hires during their orientation period and beyond.”
Value 6
Always be respectful of your coworkers, our patients and their families, and visitors to our campus.
We share St. Jude with the world. This includes the diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and journey of every person who is a part of our campus. We are inclusive and we realize that we are stronger when all are valued.
Honoree Spotlight
Caron Byrd, JD
Housing and Patient Services
Respecting St. Jude patients is the key to Caron’s success. She and her team do everything they can to give families the best possible experience during their stays in St. Jude housing units. Her role in designing and developing The Domino’s Village and the Memphis International Airport patient lounge are two examples of her incredible impact.
“The success of Target House, Tri-Delta Place, and most recently The Domino’s Village is due in large part to Byrd, who collaborated with many groups to create an exceptionally supportive environment for kids and parents alike.”
Value 7
Make the most of St. Jude resources, and be mindful of those who provided them.
The support for our institution is incredible. It allows us to charge into frontiers that others can only imagine. And it’s possible because of tens of thousands of people who trust us to be good stewards of their donations. We must be diligent to make their contributions count in every way possible.
Honoree Spotlight
Thiagarajan “Thiag” Sivalingam
Facilities Operation and Maintenance
Making the most of St. Jude resources can mean something as simple as conserving paper — or, if you’re Thiag, as complex as reducing the energy consumption of St. Jude. His work helped St. Jude create an energy management program that is significantly reducing costs, freeing resources that can instead go toward finding cures and saving children.
“Sivalingam thinks big and works hard to ensure that every dollar donated to St. Jude is being used as efficiently as possible.”
In the decade since I became president and chief executive officer, I've seen incredible growth at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. While our workforce, our campus and our goals have expanded and evolved, our mission remains the same.
Each of our nearly 7,000 employees has their own unique story of how they came to St. Jude, but finding cures and saving children is at the core of our community. We are driven by our mission and guided by our values.
James R. Downing, MD
President and Chief Executive Officer