Matthew Lehn is a seasoned healthcare executive whose nearly three decades of leadership have been defined by a deep commitment to advancing organizational excellence, elevating patient outcomes, and creating environments where people can thrive. His career reflects a steady and intentional progression through increasingly complex roles—each marked by measurable impact, cultural transformation, and strategic growth. From his early clinical foundation to his tenure as CEO and Market CEO within major healthcare systems, Matt has built a legacy as a trusted operator, strategic architect, and culture-driven leader known for uniting teams around a shared mission.
Matt began his healthcare journey in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, where he spent more than a decade gaining hands-on experience with clinical operations, patient engagement, and team leadership. His early work shaped his philosophy that high-quality patient care begins with empowered staff and well-designed systems. It was during this time that he developed a nuanced understanding of frontline challenges, regulatory requirements, and the operational cadence of hospital environments—an insight that would later inform his executive decision-making and leadership style.
His transition into physician services and network strategy marked the beginning of his ascent into higher levels of responsibility. As Network Director of Physician Services at Lutheran Health Network, Matt guided growth initiatives, negotiated physician agreements, and evaluated practices for acquisition and employment. His ability to build strong relationships with physicians and administrators quickly distinguished him as a leader capable of bridging clinical priorities with organizational strategy. These foundational experiences helped him grow into a skilled facilitator of alignment—an attribute that became a hallmark of his leadership.
When Matt took on the role of Vice President of Physician Services & Service Line Development at DeKalb Health, he expanded his influence across service line strategy, multi-specialty group operations, and joint venture development. He managed complex budgets, oversaw multi-site clinical teams, and led initiatives that improved operational efficiency and expanded access to care. His leadership during this period demonstrated his capacity to simultaneously manage operational execution while shaping long-term growth strategies, positioning him for broader system-level responsibilities.
Matt’s appointment as Chief Operating Officer for Lutheran Health Network represented a pivotal advancement in his career. Overseeing urgent care, business health, physical therapy, and emergency department expansions, he led large-scale operational transformations that increased revenue, strengthened market access, and enhanced patient experience. His leadership of over 150 FTEs and a 40-provider medical group reflected his ability to manage operational complexity across diverse service lines. He became known for fostering accountability, improving engagement, and sustaining high-performance cultures through transparent, principled leadership.
As Chief Executive Officer of TriHealth Rehabilitation Hospital, Matt guided the turnaround of a previously struggling facility, elevating its performance across quality, staff engagement, and patient satisfaction. Under his leadership, the hospital earned national recognition for excellence in rehabilitation care, improved safety metrics to top-quartile levels, and reduced turnover from nearly 50% to just 20%. His efforts not only stabilized operations but revitalized culture, positioning the hospital as a regional leader. This period showcased his mastery in organizational transformation and his ability to rally teams through clarity, consistency, and compassion.
Matt’s success in Cincinnati led to his selection as Market Chief Executive Officer for OhioHealth Rehabilitation Hospital, where he oversaw multiple facilities, guided acquisition transitions, and drove market share growth. He orchestrated integration efforts that aligned hospitals with joint venture governance, medical staff expectations, and operational benchmarks. Through strategic planning and decisive leadership, he significantly reduced premium labor costs, strengthened collaboration with physicians, and drove operational consistency across locations. His work ensured that quality, safety, and patient-centered care remained central throughout expansion and change.
As Vice President of the Heart and Vascular Institute & TriHealth Ventures, Matt advanced the strategic direction of a major cardiovascular service line, enhancing patient access, clinical outcomes, and organizational alignment. He cultivated partnerships with physicians and multidisciplinary teams, supporting innovation and long-term planning. Under his leadership, the institute achieved a 26% EBITDA increase, improved recommendation scores to 92%, and expanded patient access and population health performance. These results underscore Matt’s ability to merge clinical vision with operational and financial execution.
Matt’s newest role as CEO of Encompass Health Cincinnati reflects the culmination of decades of leadership excellence. In this position, he oversees all hospital operations, champions patient-centered care, and guides long-term growth strategies designed to enhance community impact. His reputation as a steady and strategic leader continues to define his approach—balancing analytics with empathy, operational discipline with innovation, and strategic rigor with human-centered leadership. He is driven by a belief that healthcare organizations succeed when people feel connected to purpose, supported in their work, and inspired by shared outcomes.
Across his journey, Matt has remained committed to service beyond his executive roles. His volunteer work with community organizations, health boards, and faith-based programs reflects his dedication to improving quality of life for others. His personal interests—fitness, cycling, wellness, golf, and American history—mirror his belief in lifelong growth and balance. With more than 30 years of experience, Matt continues to be energized by opportunities to build high-performing teams, strengthen organizations, and advance healthcare delivery for diverse communities.
Character:
Matt demonstrates unwavering integrity, leading with transparency and accountability in every role he assumes. He consistently acts in service of patients, teams, and communities, ensuring that decisions reflect fairness and ethical stewardship. His commitment to elevating others has made him a trusted mentor and respected leader throughout the organizations he serves.
Knowledge:
He brings deep operational, clinical, and strategic knowledge cultivated through decades of hands-on leadership across complex healthcare systems. He understands the interconnected nature of quality, finance, culture, and systems-level performance. His decisions are rooted in data, experience, and a balanced perspective that ensures sustainable results.
Strategic:
Matt excels in translating long-term vision into actionable plans that advance organizational growth and performance. He identifies opportunities others may overlook, building strategies that reinforce both mission and market position. His ability to lead transformational change has resulted in lasting improvements across multiple healthcare organizations.
Communication:
Matt communicates with clarity, empathy, and purpose, ensuring that teams understand expectations and feel supported in their work. He is skilled at engaging stakeholders across all levels, from frontline staff to governing boards. His communication style fosters trust, alignment, and shared ownership of results.
