Connect Newsletter (Sept. 15, 2026)

Five Cook Children's Specialties Earn National Recognition

Thank you to our teams, who work day in and day out to provide exceptional care to our patients. Because of your hard work, Cook Children's Health Care System has earned national recognition in five specialties on the 2026-27 U.S. News & World Report Best Children's Hospitals list.

The recognition includes the 19th consecutive year that Cook Children's Neurology & Neurosurgery program has been nationally ranked. Notably, the program has appeared in the rankings every year since U.S. News & World Report introduced pediatric specialty rankings in 2008, reflecting nearly two decades of consistent excellence in caring for children and families.

To be the first to read about this news, visit Checkup Newsroom. 

Anne Rote Named President of Cook Children’s Health Plan

Please join us in welcoming Anne Rote as President of Cook Children's Health Plan, succeeding Karen Love, who will retire Sept. 30. Anne brings more than 25 years of health care leadership experience and a passion for improving access, quality and outcomes for children and families. She began her new role at our organization on Sept. 8, 2026.

Anne's expertise in health plan operations, strategy and value-based care will help strengthen Cook Children's Health Plan as we continue to meet the evolving needs of our members. She holds a bachelor's degree from Rice University and an MBA from Southern Methodist University.

“I am honored to join Cook Children’s Health Plan and excited for what we can accomplish together,” Anne said. “Working alongside our members, providers and community partners, we have a vital opportunity to make a lasting difference for families and deliver on Cook Children’s Promise to improve the health of every child in our care and our communities.”

Throughout her career, Anne has led the development, management and operation of government-sponsored health plans, integrated delivery systems and medical groups. She is known for building strong partnerships between providers and payers, creating innovative care models and leading high-performing teams that deliver both exceptional service and sustainable growth.

"Anne brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of leading complex healthcare organizations while keeping patients and families at the center of every decision," said Rick W. Merrill, Cook Children’s President and CEO. “Her expertise in health plan operations, partnership development and innovative care models will help position Cook Children's Health Plan for continued success. We are excited to welcome Anne and look forward to the impact she will make for the children and families we serve.”

Flu Vaccines 2026: Visit an Onsite Flu Fair

All employees are required to complete the annual influenza vaccination process and receive their flu vaccine by Oct. 23, 2026.

To get started you must complete the electronic influenza consent form on Enterprise Health Portal. Then, attend one of the various onsite flu fairs or upload your flu vaccine you received from a non-Cook Children's provider, such as a physician's office or pharmacy, through the My Medical tab in the Enterprise Health Employee Portal.

Visit Connect Newsroom to learn more about flu fairs and other important information including exemptions, compliance, and how to pick up flu vaccines for department events.

Get Ready for Performance Review Check-In Conversations

As we wrap up annual performance reviews, managers are reaching out to schedule time one-on-one to discuss the outcome of each team member’s evaluation and their overall calculated rating.

These conversations pave the way for continued improvement and professional development. The goal is to provide constructive feedback that empowers everyone to thrive and flourish in their careers.

A few tips for a productive conversation with your manager: 

• Prepare: Take time beforehand to reflect on your achievements, how you’ve demonstrated Cook Children’s values, and any work challenges you navigated since the start of the performance year on Oct. 1, 2025. You may want to have your self-evaluation handy.

• Listen actively to your manager’s feedback and suggestions.

• Ask questions if you need clarification.

• Share your honest perspective. Your input can connect the dots to help your manager make specific and impactful recommendations.

After you’ve completed the performance discussion with your manager, you must acknowledge that the conversation took place by Oct. 5. Follow these steps:  

1. Go to your Workday inbox
2. Select the “To Do” – Acknowledge Performance Review Check-In
3. Click “Get Started”
4. Select the appropriate acknowledgement statement in the “Status” field
5. Add comments, if desired
6. Click submit  

Learn more at the Performance & Development page on CookNet. 

Share Your Content with Us

Do you have any tips, ideas or content you would like us to know about? We want to hear from you! Please view our SharePoint site and email us at InternalCommunications@cookchildrens.org. 

To find more content about our employees and news you need to know, bookmark our Connect Newsroom website.