#United States #Cincinnati #nursing leadership #Cincinnati Children's #Carrie Romano

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Appoints Carrie Romano

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center is set to welcome Carrie Romano, a seasoned nurse leader with over 36 years of experience, as the next Chief Nurse Executive, taking on her new role from September 6, 2026. Romano's extensive background in nursing and healthcare leadership positions her well to influence child health significantly.

The appointment comes after a comprehensive national search, highlighting the hospital's commitment to maintaining high standards in clinical leadership and patient care. Romano succeeds Barb Tofani, who has contributed notably to the organization’s success and will retire on November 2 after a distinguished career. Romano's promotion reflects not only her impressive accomplishments in nursing but also a strategic shift in title from Chief Nursing Officer to Chief Nurse Executive, marking an evolution in the responsibilities associated with the role.

Romano began her career at Cincinnati Children’s in 1989 as a staff nurse and has progressively advanced her career, most recently serving as Vice President of Patient Services. In this capacity, she provided critical executive leadership across various services, including Ambulatory Services, Care Management, and Home Care. Her extensive experience encompasses spearheading initiatives aimed at improving patient safety, expanding access to care, enhancing digital health offerings, and developing future nursing leaders.

Steve Davis, MD, the President and CEO of Cincinnati Children’s, praised Romano as an exceptional leader. He states, "Her vision, experience, and unwavering commitment to children and families make her the ideal person to lead our workforce into the future. Romano has consistently demonstrated passion for advancing innovation and delivering superior care, which aligns perfectly with our mission."

With a Doctorate in Nursing focused on Population Health Leadership from Xavier University, Romano also holds a Master's degree in Nursing and a Bachelor's degree from the University of Cincinnati, along with a diploma from the Christ Hospital School of Nursing. Her academic achievements complement her extensive hands-on experience in pediatric nursing, enabling her to contribute actively to Cincinnati Children’s future strategic direction.

Upon her appointment, Romano expressed her dedication to her new role stating, "I am honored to serve as Cincinnati Children's next chief nurse executive. Nursing and allied health are central to who we are as a health system. I look forward to collaborating with colleagues to strengthen care delivery and reshape the future of child healthcare."

Cincinnati Children’s also acknowledges Tofani’s remarkable tenure, during which the hospital attained four consecutive Magnet® designations from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, signaling the highest standards in nursing excellence. Tofani's retirement concludes a career significantly influenced by a dedication to improving care quality and advancing nursing practice.

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center has long been recognized as a leading pediatric health system, ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report for its specialties including Cancer, Gastroenterology, GI Surgery, and Diabetes & Endocrinology. Established in 1883, the academic health system lays the groundwork for healthcare education and innovative pediatric research, fostering treatments that transform children's health outcomes.

With over 19,600 employees, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital stands as a top employer in Ohio and is noted for having a high ranking among healthcare employers nationwide, according to Forbes. As the hospital continues to enhance its nursing and healthcare services under Romano’s guidance, the future looks promising for Cincinnati Children’s and the families it serves.