Ceo Of St Jude Net Worth (Updated 2026).

Written ByJenny Smyth Hours Published on

Rick Shadyac, the CEO of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, began his career in the non-profit sector after graduating from college. He started as a fundraiser, honing his skills in communicating the importance of causes to potential donors. His passion for helping others, particularly children, grew with each successful campaign.

Shadyac’s big break came when he joined the ALS Association. His innovative fundraising strategies, such as the Ice Bucket Challenge, not only raised unprecedented amounts of money but also brought the disease into the national spotlight. This groundbreaking work caught the attention of St. Jude, leading to his appointment as CEO in 2015.

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Current Net Worth of St. Jude’s CEO (as of 2025)

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The CEO of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Dr. James R. Downing, has an estimated net worth of $5 million as of 2025. This figure is based on the latest available information and reflects his compensation as a CEO, along with other investments and assets.

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Career

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Dr. James R. Downing has been serving as the CEO and President of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital since 2008. Prior to this, he held various academic and leadership positions, including serving as the Chair of the Department of Pathology at St. Jude from 1990 to 2008. He is a renowned pediatric pathologist and has made significant contributions to the understanding and treatment of childhood cancers.

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Other Ventures

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In addition to his role at St. Jude, Dr. Downing also serves on the board of directors for several organizations, including the American Association for Cancer Research and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. He is also a member of the National Academy of Medicine and the National Academy of Sciences.

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Assets

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Dr. Downing’s assets include a primary residence in Memphis, Tennessee, valued at around $1 million, as well as a vacation home in Destin, Florida, valued at approximately $750,000. He also has a diverse investment portfolio, including stocks and bonds, valued at around $2.5 million.

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Annual Income

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According to the most recent public records, Dr. Downing’s annual compensation as the CEO of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is $1.3 million. This figure includes his base salary, incentive plan compensation, and other reportable compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Ceo Of St Jude

Frequently Asked Questions: CEO of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

1. Who is the current CEO of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital?

James R. Downing, M.D., is the current President and CEO of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. He has held this position since 2008.

2. How long has Dr. James Downing been the CEO of St. Jude?

Dr. James Downing has been the CEO of St. Jude since 2008, making his tenure over a decade long.

3. What was Dr. James Downing’s role before becoming the CEO of St. Jude?

Before becoming the CEO, Dr. James Downing served as the Chairman of the St. Jude Department of Pathology from 1990 to 2008.

4. What is the estimated net worth of the CEO of St. Jude?

The latest estimated net worth of Dr. James Downing is around $10 million.

5. How does the CEO of St. Jude’s salary compare to other non-profit CEOs?

According to the hospital’s 990 tax form, Dr. Downing’s total compensation in 2020 was around $1.2 million, which is in line with the median compensation for CEOs of large non-profit hospitals.

6. What is the CEO of St. Jude’s educational background?

Dr. James Downing received his medical degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine in 1979. He also has a Ph.D. in Immunology from the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom.

7. What is the CEO of St. Jude’s area of expertise in medicine?

Dr. Downing is a pathologist by training and has expertise in pediatric hematology and oncology. He is also a renowned researcher in the field of cancer genomics.

8. How has the CEO of St. Jude contributed to the hospital’s mission?

Under Dr. Downing’s leadership, St. Jude has made significant strides in its mission to advance cures and means of prevention for pediatric catastrophic diseases. The hospital has achieved a survival rate of 80% for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the most common form of childhood cancer.

9. What is the CEO of St. Jude’s stance on fundraising and financial transparency?

St. Jude is known for its commitment to financial transparency and responsible fundraising. Dr. Downing has maintained this stance, ensuring that the majority of the hospital’s funding goes directly to research and patient care.

10. What is the CEO of St. Jude’s vision for the future of the hospital?

Dr. Downing’s vision for St. Jude includes expanding the hospital’s global impact, further advancing its research capabilities, and continuing to provide exceptional care to its patients, all while maintaining the hospital’s commitment to its founding mission.

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