Dayton Children's Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Dayton Children's has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, and medical transformation.

Committed to pediatric excellence, Dayton Children's advances specialized healthcare through a comprehensive teaching hospital network that prioritizes patient outcomes and community wellness across the Ohio region.

Leadership Roles at Dayton Children's

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Deborah Feldman
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Laurence Harkness
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Robert Steele
  • Chief Financial Officer - Greg Dillard
  • Associate Chief Medical Officer - Kelly Blankenship
  • Chief Medical Officer & Vice President, Healthcare Transformation & Medical Affairs - Adam Mezoff
  • Associate Chief Medical Officer - Merrilee Cox
  • Deborah Feldman - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Deborah Feldman, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Dayton Children's, directs the overarching strategic vision for the pediatric hospital network. Feldman manages the expansion of specialized care services across Ohio, ensuring alignment between clinical goals and operational capacity. By fostering partnerships with academic institutions, the President & Chief Executive Officer strengthens the teaching mission of the organization. This leadership role involves navigating complex healthcare regulations while maintaining high standards for patient safety and family-centered care. Deborah Feldman drives long-term sustainability by optimizing resource allocation across the entire network. Through consistent engagement with the Board, the President & Chief Executive Officer secures the necessary support for infrastructure investments. Ultimately, Feldman ensures that the hospital remains a premier destination for pediatric medicine, consistently delivering high-quality outcomes for children throughout the region.
    Deborah Feldman

    Laurence Harkness - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Laurence Harkness, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Dayton Children's, oversees the operational efficiency of the pediatric acute care facilities. Harkness focuses on streamlining administrative workflows to improve the delivery of specialized medical services. By implementing data-driven management practices, the President & Chief Executive Officer enhances the responsiveness of the hospital network to evolving patient needs. This role requires constant coordination with department heads to maintain seamless transitions between inpatient and outpatient care. Laurence Harkness drives initiatives that improve staff retention and operational productivity across the Ohio footprint. Through rigorous performance monitoring, the President & Chief Executive Officer identifies opportunities for process improvement within the clinical environment. Ultimately, Harkness secures the operational foundation required to support the hospital's mission of providing exceptional pediatric care to the community.

    Robert Steele - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Robert Steele, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Dayton Children's, leads the clinical innovation agenda for the pediatric network. Steele architects programs that integrate advanced medical research into daily patient care protocols. By collaborating with medical staff, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that the hospital adopts cutting-edge treatments for complex pediatric conditions. This leadership role involves managing the integration of new technologies to improve diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic efficacy. Robert Steele drives the expansion of specialized clinics, broadening the reach of pediatric expertise across the state. Through active participation in regional health networks, the President & Chief Executive Officer elevates the standard of care provided to the community. Ultimately, Steele maintains the hospital's reputation as a leader in pediatric medicine by prioritizing clinical excellence and continuous improvement in all medical services.
    Robert Steele

    Greg Dillard - Chief Financial Officer

    Greg Dillard, the Chief Financial Officer at Dayton Children's, manages the fiscal health and capital planning for the pediatric hospital network. Dillard oversees the budgeting process, ensuring that financial resources support the strategic objectives of the organization. By analyzing revenue cycles and cost structures, the Chief Financial Officer optimizes the financial performance of the various clinical departments. This role involves coordinating with the executive team to evaluate the feasibility of new medical programs and facility expansions. Greg Dillard drives financial transparency and accountability, providing the Board with accurate reporting on the economic status of the hospital. Through prudent investment strategies, the Chief Financial Officer secures the capital necessary for long-term growth and technological upgrades. Ultimately, Dillard ensures that the hospital maintains the financial stability required to continue providing high-quality pediatric care to the region.
    Greg Dillard

    Kelly Blankenship - Associate Chief Medical Officer

    Kelly Blankenship, the Associate Chief Medical Officer at Dayton Children's, directs the quality assurance programs for pediatric inpatient services. Blankenship monitors clinical outcomes to ensure compliance with national safety standards and internal protocols. By analyzing patient data, the Associate Chief Medical Officer identifies trends that inform improvements in nursing care and physician practice. This role involves working closely with the medical staff to implement evidence-based medicine across the hospital network. Kelly Blankenship drives initiatives that reduce hospital-acquired conditions and improve the overall patient experience. Through regular audits and peer reviews, the Associate Chief Medical Officer maintains high levels of clinical performance. Ultimately, Blankenship supports the hospital's mission by fostering a culture of safety and continuous learning among the medical team, ensuring that every child receives the highest standard of care.

    Adam Mezoff - Chief Medical Officer & Vice President, Healthcare Transformation & Medical Affairs

    Adam Mezoff, the Chief Medical Officer & Vice President, Healthcare Transformation & Medical Affairs at Dayton Children's, leads the strategic evolution of clinical services. Mezoff architects the transformation of care delivery models to better serve the pediatric population across Ohio. By overseeing medical affairs, the Chief Medical Officer & Vice President, Healthcare Transformation & Medical Affairs ensures that physician leadership remains aligned with the hospital's mission. This role involves managing the transition to value-based care and implementing innovative health management strategies. Adam Mezoff drives the integration of new medical specialties, expanding the scope of services available to patients. Through collaboration with other executives, the Chief Medical Officer & Vice President, Healthcare Transformation & Medical Affairs optimizes the clinical workforce to meet growing demand. Ultimately, Mezoff secures the future of the hospital by championing medical innovation and operational excellence.
    Adam Mezoff

    Merrilee Cox - Associate Chief Medical Officer

    Merrilee Cox, the Associate Chief Medical Officer at Dayton Children's, oversees the outpatient clinical operations and community health outreach programs. Cox manages the coordination between primary care providers and pediatric specialists to ensure continuity of care for patients. By developing community-based health initiatives, the Associate Chief Medical Officer addresses the broader wellness needs of the pediatric population. This role involves supervising the implementation of telehealth services to increase access to care for families in remote areas. Merrilee Cox drives the expansion of preventative health programs, reducing the burden of chronic conditions within the community. Through active engagement with local health partners, the Associate Chief Medical Officer strengthens the hospital's role as a regional health resource. Ultimately, Cox ensures that the hospital's clinical expertise reaches beyond the walls of the facility to support the health of children throughout the region.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Dayton Children's Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Dayton Children's?
    Dayton Children's is led by Deborah Feldman (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Laurence Harkness (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Robert Steele (President & Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of Dayton Children's’s executive team?
    The executive team of Dayton Children's includes leaders such as Deborah Feldman (President & Chief Executive Officer), Laurence Harkness (President & Chief Executive Officer), Robert Steele (President & Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Dayton Children's have?
    Dayton Children's has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Dayton Children's’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Dayton Children's includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Associate Chief Medical Officer.