When Debbie Hayes talks about her work, the conversation quickly turns from titles to people. As President and CEO of The Christ Hospital Health Network, she’s responsible for thousands of employees and patients across Greater Cincinnati. But to her, leadership has never been about hierarchy. It’s about service — to her team, to her community and to the city she calls home.
It’s a concept that runs through everything she does, especially her work with United Way of Greater Cincinnati, where she serves on the board of directors and has been a passionate campaign leader and advocate. “We don’t have the option to fail,” she said. “If we fail, someone in this community will be worse because of it.”
In honor of her dedication to improving community well-being, Debbie Hayes is a 2026 recipient of the Tocqueville Award.
For Debbie, United Way represents the same calling that drew her to health care nearly four decades ago: meeting people where they are and helping them live better, more stable lives. She shares the organization’s holistic approach. “We’re trying to fix the root cause to break the cycle.”
She’s seen those struggles up close. In her own organization, she’s met employees working multiple jobs to make ends meet. Debbie believes that’s where United Way plays an essential role — connecting families with support and bridging systems that don’t always cover people’s needs. “This is where 211 becomes so important — it’s like a point of contact so that people don’t get lost in the system,” she said.
Her commitment to that mission reflects both professional insight and personal conviction. A nurse by training, Debbie began her career at The Christ Hospital 38 years ago and rose through the ranks to lead the institution through the COVID-19 pandemic — an experience that deepened her appreciation for teamwork, empathy and courage under pressure. She said she learned quickly the value of building a great team, communicating clearly and taking smart risks. “Nobody wants to do a bad job, and so it’s our job as leaders to bring out the best in people on behalf of whomever you might serve,” Debbie said.
Debbie is known within and beyond the hospital for elevating others, especially emerging professionals who are still discovering their confidence. “Half the fun (of leadership) is watching other people get to shine,” she said. Hayes recalls mentors who helped her grow and feels it’s important to afford others the same opportunities.
She said giving back is simply part of her DNA. Raised in a family that valued generosity, Debbie learned from parents and grandparents she said always stepped up to help others, despite not always having much to give. Her faith and upbringing shaped her conviction that true generosity isn’t only measured in dollars, but in the willingness to share time, talent and compassion.
It’s why she’s active on civic and nonprofit boards and why she won’t stop working to build a better future for our region. “We can’t give up because that means we’re accepting the status quo, and the status quo is not okay.”
Debbie said her role is creating space for others to thrive. “I was put on this earth for a reason,” she said. “God’s been very special to me, and I need to give a little piece of something to whomever needs it. Because otherwise, why am I here?”
Her example reminds others what’s possible when compassion meets action — and why leaders like Debbie, through United Way and beyond, keep Greater Cincinnati moving toward a healthier, more hopeful future.
