Closing Out a Career: Beth Schmidt to Retire after 30 Years at Cook Children’s HR

Beth Schmidt’s career at Cook Children’s spanned an era of tremendous growth in workforce size, benefits and new technologies for Human Resources (HR).

Beth started on March 21, 1994, as the organization’s first Employee Relations manager. Six or seven others worked with her in the HR department back then. The Cook Children’s system – consisting of the Physician Network, Foundation and Fort Worth medical center -- had just 1,500-1,700 employees at that point. 

Fast forward through promotions to her role as the Vice President for HR, overseeing about 70 personnel in HR and Occupational Health. More than 10,000 employees work at the various sites and companies that make up Cook Children’s today.  

As her Jan. 8, 2025, retirement date approaches, we asked Beth to reflect on the ways HR kept up with that growth. We wanted to look back on the milestone projects she had a hand in. A few examples in recent years? Staffing the new medical center in Prosper. And rolling out Workday, which replaced the outdated Lawson and PACE platforms.

Even though she’s seen many changes under the Blue Peaks, Beth can name a few hallmarks that stayed the same during her tenure: “The amazing people,” she said. “The organizational culture. The passion individuals bring to the care of the children. It's at our core.”

Rick W. Merrill, President and CEO, saluted Beth’s finesse in solving problems, planning ahead, and innovating the HR processes. Her leadership set the tone for employees to feel valued and supported.

“Whether you’re a new hire or a longtime member of the Cook Children’s family, you’ve been impacted by Beth Schmidt,” Mr. Merrill said. “Our HR team puts our workforce at the highest priority. You see an employee-first focus, from the competitive salaries we offer, to paid parental leave and investments in well-being.” 

Keith Holtz, Chief Administrative Officer, thanked Beth for her dedication. By practicing the Cook Children’s values – kindness, collaboration, imagination, generosity, respect and safety -- Beth and her colleagues improved the employee experience.   

“Beth helped empower Cook Children’s to attract and retain top talent,” Keith said. “During her tenure, Cook Children’s has achieved many accolades and awards for being a great place to work, including our designation by Forbes in 2024 as the best health care organization for large employers across the U.S. Beth has had a direct hand in Cook Children’s achieving these successes, which contribute to our reputation as a place where people are proud to work.”

On Dec. 1, 2024, Merridth Simpson followed Beth’s footsteps into the role of VP for Human Resources. The two worked together closely over the past two years to launch Workday and a new approach to Performance & Development.  

“Beth has dedicated so much of herself to this company and to each of us. Her leadership has shaped our culture and nurtured a workplace where people feel supported, heard and valued,” Merridth said. “I’ve had the privilege of learning from her, watching how she leads with compassion and integrity. While she will be greatly missed, I’m excited to honor her legacy by building on the foundation she has so thoughtfully laid.”

Beth enjoys the challenge of implementing new policies, giving counsel to managers, facilitating communication and finding solutions. She likes asking questions and listening to the “why” in issues. Most of all, she likes knowing HR’s contributions make a difference.

She’s closing this chapter with a message of gratitude. And she hopes that everyone across Cook Children’s recognizes the privilege of caring for the children and families in our community.  

“Honor the opportunity that we're given. It's a blessing,” Beth advised. “I never thought I'd be here this long. But the organization allowed me to grow while it grew, and to learn and adapt.”

Focus on Employees 

HR kept paper files back when Beth started at Cook Children’s in the 1990s. Paper files gave way to digital, and several electronic data systems were installed over the years, most recently Workday in 2023. That transition required loads of planning, communication and technical savvy … a huge undertaking. The result was an improved tool for employees to access their paychecks, submit expense reports, manage employee data and much more.

While the switch to Workday had high visibility and broad impact, Beth points to other significant actions HR took in response to employee feedback:

• Partnership with CareATC to provide low- to no-cost primary care at convenient locations
• Paid parental leave
• More PTO days
• Increased life insurance benefits
• Hiring and retaining staff over the years

“It's those kinds of things that make me really proud of what we've done,” Beth said.

Although the employees in HR don’t treat disease or injury, they support Cook Children’s mission of excellence in pediatric health care. They recruit and hire the best of the best, Beth said. They strive to keep salaries and benefit options attractive. They enact procedures to follow federal, state, city and Joint Commission regulations.

What lessons did she learn in 30 years on the job? To delegate. That it’s OK to say, “I don’t know.” That when you’re fond of your co-workers, it’s tough to tell them goodbye. Beth balances her nostalgia with confidence in her successor.

“Merridth will do a very good job for the organization. She's got great competencies that will support the future growth of Cook Children’s,” Beth said. “It's time for the next person to continue to move us forward.”

More about Beth

Beth’s first opportunity to serve in health care came when she was a teen-age candy striper at an Amarillo hospital, assigned to the gift shop. She went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Texas Tech University and her Master of Business Administration from West Texas A&M University.

She looks forward to reading more novels, traveling, volunteering for Meals on Wheels, and spoiling her grandchildren. She also plans to check out the tuition-free courses offered at the University of Texas-Arlington for students ages 65 and up.  

“Maybe I'll take a chemistry class or a history class,” she said. “Maybe I'll take more HR courses, just to keep current. Good opportunity to keep learning and keep growing, right?