Cincinnati, OH, September 28, 2026 – The Christ Hospital Health Network has joined Uptown Consortium, Incorporated (UCI), following a vote of UCI’s board of directors. President and CEO Deborah (Debbie) Hayes will represent the hospital network on the board.
“We are pleased to welcome Debbie Hayes to the UCI board of directors,” said UC President Neville Pinto, UCI board chair. “Christ Hospital sits at an important gateway between Uptown and downtown Cincinnati. Its deep roots in our community and national reputation will strengthen our work to build even greater connections between these neighborhoods,” he added.
The Christ Hospital has been headquartered in Cincinnati’s Mt. Auburn since 1893. Throughout its history, it has championed notable innovations, including Cincinnati’s first intensive care unit and the nation's first ceramic hip replacement. In the 2026-27 U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings, it ranked No. 3 in Ohio, No. 1 in Southwest Ohio, and received High Performing ratings in 22 procedures and conditions. The hospital has earned Magnet recognition for nursing excellence three times and has received the Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Award for patient experience.
“We look forward to working with Debbie and her team as we build on the vitality of Uptown’s neighborhoods,” said Laura Brunner, President and CEO of The Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority (The Port). “They bring an important perspective to this collaboration as we all work to advance shared goals for research, development, and commercialization to grow here.”
Hayes began her career at The Christ Hospital in 1987 as a student nurse aide before becoming a critical care nurse. She has filled numerous leadership positions within the network, including Chief Nursing Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief Hospital Officer, and Chief Operating Officer. She was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer in 2021.
“We are thrilled to join the Uptown Consortium, an entity of The Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority,” said Debbie Hayes, President & CEO at The Christ Hospital Health Network. “Part of our mission at The Christ Hospital Health Network is to improve the health of our community, and by working together with these partners, we hope to deliver this to the people who call Cincinnati home. We believe that by working together toward this common goal, we can help meet the needs of those we serve by building inclusive connections in meaningful ways.”
A graduate of The Christ Hospital School of Nursing, Hayes also holds degrees from Xavier University, University of Cincinnati, and Northern Kentucky University. She serves on the Trinity Health Board of Directors. She has volunteered on several boards and advisory committees throughout the region, including REDI Cincinnati, the Cincinnati Regional Chamber of Commerce, the American Heart Association, ArtsWave, and United Way.
The Port has managed UCI since 2025 to accelerate economic growth across Uptown's five neighborhoods: Avondale, Clifton, Clifton Heights, University Heights, and Fairview (CUF), Corryville, and Mt. Auburn.
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About UCI:
Uptown Consortium, Inc. is a nonprofit development corporation dedicated to revitalizing Uptown Cincinnati. Founded in 2004, UCI’s members include some of the region's largest employers and the leading tourist attractions: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, UC Health, the University of Cincinnati, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, and The Christ Hospital Health Network. For additional information, please visit https://www.uptowncincinnati.com/
About The Port:
The Port was formed in 2001 to stimulate growth of the regional economy. Partnering with the City of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, The Port works to redevelop manufacturing and residential communities, building the foundation for job creation and creating livable, viable communities where residents can experience economic prosperity. For additional information, please visit http://www.cincinnatiport.org.
About The Christ Hospital Health Network:
The Christ Hospital Health Network consists of an acute care hospital located in Mt. Auburn, a remote hospital location in Liberty Township, five ambulatory outpatient centers and dozens of medical offices throughout the region. For 137 years, The Christ Hospital has provided compassionate care to those it serves. Made up of more than 1,300 physicians and more than 7,600 team members, our mission is to improve the health of our community by providing exceptional outcomes in an affordable way. The Network was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the #3 hospital in Ohio and named to Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals list in 2026.
For additional information, please visit https://www.thechristhospital.com/.
Media Contacts:
Yasmin Chilton
Director of External Affairs and Media Relations
937-536-9885
ychilton@cincinnatiport.org
James Buechele
Public Relations Manager
James.Buechele@thechristhospital.com