Jane and Henry Meyer Chief Executive Officer Distinguished Chair Established at UH
A $2.5 million gift from Jane Meyer has established the Jane and Henry Meyer Chief Executive Officer Distinguished Chair at University Hospitals in celebration of the Meyer family’s legacy of leadership and service to the health system. Jane is joined in dedicating this endowed position in memory of her late husband, Henry L. Meyer III, by their three sons, Patrick, Andrew and Christopher.
In commemoration of his first anniversary as CEO of University Hospitals, Cliff A. Megerian, MD, FACS, has been named the inaugural Meyer Distinguished Chair.
Family Legacy of UH Advocates and Leaders
The late Henry Meyer had a distinguished career at KeyCorp spanning nearly 40 years, starting as a teller and ultimately serving as Chief Executive Officer from 2001 to 2011. An exemplary leader, he led the bank during a period of significant growth and successfully navigated through the Great Recession of 2008. A passionate advocate for Cleveland and its residents, he served on numerous boards including University Hospitals, where he was a member of the UH Board of Directors for over 35 years and board chair from 1999 to 2003.
Jane Meyer, who enjoyed a distinguished career at Ernst & Young as a certified public accountant, similarly dedicated herself to volunteerism. Her leadership and service on the Rainbow Babies & Children’s Foundation Board of Trustees from 1988 to 2000 included a term as board president from 1996 to 1998.
The Meyer family’s enduring connection to the health system – defined by leadership, service and generosity – spans generations. Henry’s mother, Anne Taylor Meyer, was a passionate and beloved Trustee of the Rainbow Babies & Children’s Foundation for 40 years; and his grandmother, Frances Bicknell Taylor, was once President of the Rainbow Hospital Board of Trustees.
“UH was incredibly near and dear to Henry’s heart,” said Jane. “He was born at UH and would note that it was the first air he breathed. A chair like this, that recognizes the importance of strong executive leadership and is meant to safeguard the future of a place he felt so deeply connected to, would mean the world to him.”
Establishing a Lasting Impact
Endowed positions are amongst the highest honors in academic medicine and chairs for executive leadership are incredibly rare. As the inaugural Meyer Distinguished Chair, Dr. Megerian will be afforded resources to make innovative decisions and strategic investments that impact health care for patients in Northeast Ohio and beyond.
“No one exemplified strong, steady leadership more than Henry,” said Dr. Megerian. “He served as board chair during a transformational time at UH – when we went from being a Cleveland hospital to a true health system. The enduring impact of his tenure is still felt at UH today. Receiving this recognition in his honor elevates the importance of this award even more.”
“I am extremely humbled by Jane’s thoughtful generosity,” he continued. “Her leadership and commitment to UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital has made an indelible mark on the patients and families we serve. To have her support and trust as I enter my second year as CEO is supremely motivating. Through the Meyer Distinguished Chair, I want to push our organization to improve access and value, to be leaders in science and translation, and to provide the most compassionate care.”