Debbie Feldman, president and CEO, announces retirement from Dayton Children's

After nearly 14 years, Deborah A. Feldman, fourth president and CEO of Dayton Children's Hospital, announces her retirement, effective June 30, 2026.

"Every child in the Dayton region deserves a great children's hospital close to home," says Feldman. "I am proud to say that Dayton Children's is that world class children's hospital on every measure - from the quality of care, to the patient and family experience, to superior access to services. I am incredibly honored to have been a part of these remarkable achievements."

Since joining the organization in 2012, Feldman and her leadership team have focused on improving the health of children in the Dayton region, both inside the hospital and by aligning with community partners to reduce barriers to health. Key accomplishments include:

• Created and guided the hospital through two strategic plans, Destination 2020 and Reinventing the Path to Children's Health which resulted in transformational growth.
  • More than tripled revenue
  • Increased number of providers by more than 500%
  • Earned Magnet designation, Level 1 Trauma certification and Level 1 Pediatric Surgery verification and US News rankings in three specialties
  • Initiated a comprehensive plan to address the pediatric mental health crisis of the community
• Forged care alliances with health care organizations for a cohesive approach that reduced costly duplication of services and amplified individual efforts
• Aligned with community partners to reduce barriers to health through innovative projects, including Vermillion Place, a first-of-its-kind kinship housing community, and the Center for Community Health
• Invested more than $800 million in new and refreshed facilities including:
  • An eight-story patient tower in 2017
  • An expanded south campus including specialty and primary care, a pharmacy, an emergency department and a surgery center from 2016 - 2018
  • The Connor Child Health Pavilion in 2019
  • Four new or expanded outpatient care centers
  • Four Kids Express locations
  • Specialty care center on the main campus in 2023
  • The Mathile Center for Mental Health and Wellness in 2025

Debbie embodies the trifecta of commitment to excellence, quest for innovation and heartfelt compassion," says Mike McQuiston, chair for Dayton Children's board of trustees and partner at the Connor Group. "Her first question is always 'how will this impact the children of our community?' Then once committed to a project, her last question is 'how fast can we get it done to serve our kids?' There is a reason Dayton Children's moves at 'the speed of Feldman!'"

Beginning November 7, 2025, the executive search firm Spencer Stuart will begin nationwide recruitment for the next president and CEO. The Dayton Children's Board of Trustees expects to make a decision by late spring 2026.

"I have full faith that the board of trustees will select the right candidate who is committed to Dayton Children's relentless pursuit of optimal health for every child within our reach," says Feldman.

For more information about Debbie Feldman's accomplishments, honors and achievements.