St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has appointed a financial expert with more than 30 years of experience as the institution's chief financial officer. Pat Keel will lead the hospital's financial strategy and management as St. Jude embarks on a $7 billion, six-year plan for conquering cancer and other childhood diseases.

"We are fortunate to find someone with Pat Keel's experience and passion for the St. Jude mission to help guide our organization during a time of new growth and expansion," said James R. Downing, M.D., St. Jude president and chief executive officer.

Keel was most recently with University Health System in Shreveport, Louisiana, where she served as chief financial officer and senior vice president. In addition, she held leadership roles with Good Shepherd Health System in Longview, Texas and CHRISTUS Schumpert Health System in Shreveport.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Arkansas State University and a Master of Healthcare Administration fromTrinity University. She is also a William G. Follmer Bronze award recipient in HFMA (Healthcare Financial Management Association). In December 2015, Keel was named to Becker's Hospital Review 130 women hospital and health system leaders to know.

"It's an exciting time to be joining St. Jude, and I look forward to being part of an innovative and forward-thinking organization while contributing to the mission of finding cures and saving children," Keel said.