MetroHealth President and CEO Dr. Alexander-Rager Appointed to OHA Board

The Ohio Hospital Association (OHA) has appointed MetroHealth President and CEO Christine Alexander-Rager, MD, to its Board of Trustees.

Founded in 1915, the OHA serves as the “united voice of Ohio’s hospitals.” The nonprofit federation represents the state’s 252 hospitals and 17 health systems. Its Board, composed of top executives from across the state, provides high-level leadership, guidance, and advocacy to strengthen Ohio’s healthcare system and improve access to high-quality care.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on OHA’s Board and to represent MetroHealth and our community,” said Dr. Alexander-Rager, who will serve a three-year term as a Trustee-at-Large. “Just like the health of our patients, the health of our hospitals requires careful attention, collaboration, and partnership. I look forward to collaborating with Ohio’s other hospital leaders to support our institutions, our caregivers, and our patients.”

In a news release announcing the organization’s new Board members, OHA President and CEO Mike Abrams said: “We are grateful to these leaders from our member hospitals who commit their time and talent to work with us on our mission to ensure Ohioans’ access to high-quality hospital care in their communities. The healthcare landscape continues to evolve with hospitals facing continued economic headwinds, administrative burdens imposed by payers, changing workforce needs, and integration of new technology and resources.”

Dr. Alexander-Rager, a family medicine physician at MetroHealth since 1997, was named President and CEO in 2024. Last month, MetroHealth’s Board of Trustees approved a new contract extending her leadership into January 2029.

Before becoming chief executive, she served as MetroHealth’s Interim Chief Physician and Clinical Executive, a role she assumed after 14 years as Chair of Family Medicine.

Besides caring for patients – her first love professionally – Dr. Alexander-Rager founded MetroHealth’s nationally recognized School Health Program, which partners with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District and other systems to provide in-school clinics and mobile units. She also spearheaded the creation of MetroHealth’s medical outreach to the homeless and served as President of the Medical Staff from 2022 to 2024.