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Liza D. Smitherman Elected Board Chair for Cincinnati Children’s

Friday, December 02, 2022

Liza D. Smitherman has been elected chair of the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center board of trustees, effective Nov. 21, 2022.

Smitherman has been a board member at Cincinnati Children’s since 2014, and most recently served as vice chair. She is also a former member of the Cincinnati Children’s Foundation Board.

Smitherman is chief people officer of Jostin Construction and is also president of Brewster Pumping, LLC. She and her husband, Albert Smitherman, are first-generation business owners and entrepreneurs.

“The opportunity to serve the patients, employees and partners of Cincinnati Children’s is an honor,” explained Smitherman. “I am a passionate advocate for leveling the playing field to help all people achieve their goals and dreams. The work of Cincinnati Children’s aligns with these values, where making a difference in the health of a child, including influencing social determinants of health, can result in long-term success for that individual. I am grateful to help Cincinnati Children’s pursue its potential so all kids can pursue theirs.”

An active leader within the Greater Cincinnati community, Smitherman has been involved in volunteerism for a number of organizations, including: Xavier University, REDI Cincinnati, Represent Cincy, YWCA of Greater Cincinnati, City Gospel Mission, Easter Seals Tristate and the Workforce Innovation Center within the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber.

“I am so pleased to be able to work with Liza in her new role as chair of our Board of Trustees,” said Steve Davis, MD, president & CEO. “Liza has been an active and engaged member of our Board for the past eight years, most recently serving as vice chair. Her passion for mental health, her leadership in diversity and inclusion, and her drive to make a genuine and lasting impact on our community will help us continue in our journey to be the leader in improving child health.”

Smitherman received her undergraduate degree in education from Bowling Green State University and a Master of Education in counseling from Xavier University. She was named a YWCA Career Woman of Achievement in 2015, 2021 Cincinnatian of the Year by the JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) and was one of the 2022 Enquirer Women of the Year.

Smitherman succeeds Mark Jahnke, who is leaving the board after nearly 10 years of service.

“Serving on the Cincinnati Children’s Board of Trustees for nearly a decade has been the greatest privilege of my life,” shared Jahnke. “I’m proud to have been able to serve alongside so many passionate individuals who are truly dedicated to making a difference for kids, the community and the world. Liza will be a great leader and partner, enabling the institution to reach its fullest potential.”