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Kyle-Edgington--Ph-D
Kyle Edgington
Kyle D. Edgington has been appointed senior vice president and chief development officer for the Cook Children's Health Foundation.
Edgington’s arrival coincides with a bold fundraising project — an ambitious $1.25 billion expansion project at Cook Children's Medical Center—Fort Worth.
"As we embark on the largest fundraising campaign in the history of Cook Children's, Kyle brings an expertise that makes him an ideal fit for our organization," said Rick W. Merrill, president and CEO of Cook Children's Health Care System.
"His skillset and proven leadership will be key to raising philanthropic support required to expand and enhance our flagship medical center. We look forward to Kyle's vital impact steering the fundraising effort for this transformative project."
Edgington, who has a Ph.D. in public affairs from The University of Texas at Dallas, comes to the job with extensive experience and success in leadership, endowment growth, donor engagement and strategic partnerships, Cook officials said.
A Fort Worth native, Edgington spent the last 16 years at UT Dallas, where he held various academic and administrative leadership positions. Most recently, he served as vice president for development and alumni relations, managing a 110-person team and a $15 million budget. Among his notable accomplishments:
Spearheading "New Dimensions: The Campaign for UT Dallas," which to date has raised $440 million toward a $750 million goal
More than doubling the university's endowment, now valued at $868 million
Boosting annual gift count by 183% and donor count by 70%.
In addition to his doctorate, Edgington holds an MBA from Wayland Baptist University, and a bachelor's degree from Texas Tech University.
"Philanthropy is one of the oldest and most cherished traditions in healthcare, and few places embody its spirit more profoundly than Cook Children's,” Edgington said. “I am excited to join the organization during such a pivotal season of growth and look forward to the impact our work together will have in the community and beyond.”
In November 2024, Cook Children's unveiled a 10-year master plan, including the new West Tower, to help meet pediatric healthcare needs for the growing population of North Texas.
The West Tower is a 760,000-square-foot expansion on the campus of Cook’s flagship medical center in Fort Worth. This project will increase capacity for critical care, cardiology and transitional care. This expansion also creates next level operating rooms with technology and equipment to support advanced programs like orthospine, neurosurgery, cardiothoracic surgery, robotics and more.
The tower will be home to leading edge pediatric care, research, and innovation.
Sources of financing to build the West Tower will include a mix of operations, bonds, and philanthropic support, the hospital said.