Mark Jahnke, the chair of the board of trustees for Cincinnati Children's, will lead a national search for the next CEO.
The CEO of Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center is retiring, the organization announced Tuesday afternoon.
Michael Fisher, who has led Cincinnati Children's for more than a decade, is the longest-serving CEO among the local health systems. He will retire once a successor is selected and onboarded, which is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Mark Jahnke, the chair of the board of trustees for Cincinnati Children's, will lead a national search for the next CEO.
"While navigating the changing and challenging medical and research landscape for over a decade, Michael has championed a vibrant and inclusive culture and built an extraordinary team of doctors, nurses, scientists, and other valued employees," Jahnke said in a statement. "He has helped us further elevate excellent and compassionate care, expand services, and increase financial strength – even amid a pandemic. We are grateful and proud of all Michael has achieved – for Cincinnati Children’s as well as kids and families everywhere."
During his tenure, Fisher chaired the Children's Hospitals' Solutions for Patient Safety, a network of pediatric hospitals nationwide, which has saved around $421 million in healthcare costs.
Fisher also advocated for diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, which resulted in being recognized by Forbes as one of America's Best Employers for Diversity and Best Employers for Women. Fisher also received the Healthcare Equity Leader Award from the Human Rights Campaign.
While Cincinnati Children's searches for the new CEO, the medical center is slated to open a critical care building for patients with cancer, heart ailments, and other conditions.
Additionally, the organization will begin construction this year of a new inpatient mental health facility at the College Hill Campus.
Melanie Blackman is a contributing editor for strategy, marketing, and human resources at HealthLeaders, an HCPro brand.