Liza Smitherman, a vice chair of the Board of Trustees at Cincinnati Children’s and a member of the search committee that recommended Davis, said: “We were looking for someone bold who could take us to the next level, and Steve Davis is that person. He is passionate about improving children’s health and the healthcare system. Because of the work he’s already done leading the Critical Care Building project and advocating for the team, he can hit the ground running – and that will have a tremendous impact.”

Fisher joined the medical center as chief executive in January 2010 and is the longest-serving CEO among local health systems.


“I’m grateful to have had the privilege of leading the incredible team at Cincinnati Children’s, whose care for kids and commitment to scientific research and education has made this one of the best medical centers in the world,” Fisher said. “I love Cincinnati Children’s, and so I’m extremely pleased that the board has selected an exceptional leader in Dr. Steve Davis as the next CEO. Having worked closely with Steve for the last six years, I can tell you that he has high integrity, an innovative spirit, and a deep caring for patients and his fellow employees.”

Cincinnati Children's 1.38 million patient encounters in 2020 benefited children from all 50 states and 51 countries, including those treated for complex or rare disorders.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Davis has played a key role in coordinating the response of local hospitals. As co-chair of the Regional COVID-19 Steering Committee and co-chair of the Hamilton County Test and Protect COVID-19 Project, Davis helped create policies and procedures designed to ensure the best care for patients and to safeguard hospital workers.

Also under the leadership of Davis, Cincinnati Children’s ramped up telehealth during the pandemic. Many clinical areas now offer telehealth appointments via the CincyKids Health Connect app for patients who don’t require an in-person visit, providing easier access to care for more kids.

Before joining Cincinnati Children’s, Davis was chief operating officer of Hillcrest Hospital, a 500-bed facility with 2,500 employees that is part of the Cleveland Clinic system. Davis served the Cleveland Clinic in a variety of key positions from 1996 to 2015, including as: program director for the Pediatric Critical Care Fellowship Program; medical director of Pediatric Respiratory Therapy; chair of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine; vice chair of pediatrics; and executive director of critical care across the Cleveland Clinic health system.

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