Children’s Medical Center announces new president of foundation

by Staff of Children's Medical Center

Children’s Medical Center is pleased to announce Peter Kline as its new President of the Children’s Medical Center Foundation. In this role, Kline will also serve as a Senior Vice President of Children’s Medical Center. He will be responsible for managing all fundraising programs for the private, not-for-profit hospital. He brings tremendous experience to the position, having spent more than three decades in Dallas and having been involved in numerous business, civic and nonprofit endeavors.

“We have made significant strides in philanthropy in the last five years, including completing a $150 million capital campaign – the largest in our history,” said Chris Durovich, President and CEO of Children’s Medical Center. “Pete’s background as a philanthropist, businessman and community leader is exactly what we need as we strive to reach our promise and potential on behalf of the children and families we serve.”

Originally from upstate New York, Kline earned his bachelor’s degree in hotel administration and master’s degree in hotel accounting from Cornell University before moving to Dallas in 1976. Kline founded Bristol Hotels & Resorts with a single independent hotel in 1981, and as chairman and CEO, led the company through the acquisition of 125 hotels and $450 million of redevelopment activity. Most recently, he served as managing partner of Seneca Advisors, LLP.

“For many years I have worked hard to make a lasting difference in Dallas,” said Kline. “Helping build a world-class pediatric hospital system here will be my crowning achievement.”

Foundation and hospital leaders believe Kline will bring innovative, fresh thinking to health care fundraising. “We believe Pete’s exceptional business acumen and broad, deep ties to the Dallas community will prove to be especially vital given the changes in the economic environment,” said Dan Chapman, Chairman of the Children’s Medical Center Foundation.

Kline is a strong believer in finding better and more creative ways to stay ahead.

“Conventional wisdom is not always right. I don’t assume that things have to be done the way everyone else does them,” he said. “This will be a learning experience, and I look forward to working as part of the Children’s team to leave a lasting impact on our city through our work.”

Numerous nonprofit organizations have benefited from Kline’s leadership. He currently serves as the chair elect for the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center Foundation, is on the board of trustees for The Hockaday School, serves on the development committee for The Winston School and is a member of the Dallas Citizens Council. Previously, he was board chair of the Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau, a public trustee of Dallas Medical Resource, chairman of Leadership Dallas, founding board member of the Neighborhood Services Council, board member of the North Dallas Chamber and board member of North Texas Commission. He has also been a parent division co-chair for The Hockaday School’s $50 million Tomorrow Campaign and chair of the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center $11 million capital campaign.”