Children’s Hospital of Georgia welcomes Roary to the team

The Children’s Hospital of Georgia welcomed its newest addition on Thursday. Roary, Chief Fun Officer of CHOG and the children’s hospital’s new mascot, made a grand entrance in the CHOG lobby to the applause of patients and caregivers alike.

Roary’s arrival was preceded by a short video presentation explaining the hospital’s need for a baby jungle cat.

“We need somebody fun, somebody with excitement, to liven up the children’s hospital,” said Jim Mumford, CHOG Administrator.

“Someone with energy,” said Charlie Howell, CHOG Co-Medical Director, echoing Mumford’s sentiment. “You know, a real character.”

“How about a CFO?” Charlie Linder, CHOG Co-Medical Director, suggested. “A Chief Fun Officer?”

And as simple as that, the decision was made.

Peter Buckley, Dean of the Medical College of Georgia, said Roary’s hire was an exceptional decision.

“It is certainly not an exaggeration to say that great things happen every day at the Children’s Hospital of Georgia, but Thursday was special,” said Buckley. “We introduced a Chief Fun Officer named “Roary” to help our patients and families focus on something lighter than the reason for their visit.”

After a short flight to the children’s hospital, Roary introduced himself to the crowd gathered in the CHOG lobby and made his first official act as Chief Fun Officer: hugging and high-fiving dozens of excited children. Later, the baby jag retreated to his office/den to get some much needed rest.

Roary’s hire and welcome ceremony would not have been possible without the contributions of several individuals. Roary would like to thank Kim Basso, Director of Pediatric Patient Care Services, Charlie Howell, Charlie Linder, Jim Mumford, Jared Bell, Video Production Coordination, and Tim Johnson, Video Producer. Roary would also like to give special thanks to Emily Renzi, his handler and trainer.