Cincinnati (May 1, 2015) - The Christ Hospital Foundation recently hosted a reception to recognize Liza D. and Albert C. Smitherman for their generous gift to support Patient Assistance in Oncology, Nursing Education, Employee Assistance, and Patient Emergency Assistance.
Albert is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Jostin Construction. His wife, Liza, is the CEO and Owner of Brewster Pumping, and Vice President of Professional Development at Jostin Construction. Liza and Albert are well-known throughout the city for their involvement in the community, promotion of workforce diversity, and commitment to giving back.
The Smithermans have strong ties, both personal and professional, to The Christ Hospital. It is where their children were born and where Albert’s father received cancer treatment. Their company, Jostin Construction, has been a building partner in the hospital’s Joint and Spine Center project.
The couple’s gift was made in honor of Albert’s father, Dr. Herbert C. Smitherman, Sr., who passed away October 9, 2010. At the reception, Dr. Smitherman’s widow, Barbara Smitherman, gave a touching speech about her husband’s legacy as a leader and role model in his profession, community, and at home.
An Executive at Procter and Gamble for 29 years, Dr. Smitherman was the first African American with a Ph.D. in Science hired by the company. Throughout his career at P&G, Dr. Smitherman advocated for, and helped recruit, the company’s African American scientists and engineers. When he retired, Dr. Smitherman served as Vice President of Academic Affairs and Professor of Chemistry at Wilberforce University, and went on to establish the Western Hills Design Technology High School to help African American students in math and science. He was later recruited by Mary Ronan, Superintendent of Cincinnati Public Schools, to manage Cincinnati Public Schools Office of Innovations, which was later named, The Dr. Herbert C. Smitherman, Sr., Office of Innovations.
Liza and Albert’s gift is the perfect tribute to Dr. Smitherman’s legacy of helping others and making a difference. The Christ Hospital’s west wing chapel has been named, The Smitherman Chapel, in his memory.
About The Christ Hospital Health Network: The Christ Hospital Health Network is a regional care system comprised of The Christ Hospital and more than 100 outpatient/physician locations in the Greater Cincinnati area. Our mission is to improve the health of our community and to create patient value by providing exceptional outcomes, affordable care and the finest experiences. Led by the region’s Most Preferred hospital (National Research Corporation), the network is dedicated to transforming care by delivering integrated, individualized healthcare and wellness services through its comprehensive physician network and advanced specialty service. For more than 125 years, The Christ Hospital has provided compassionate care to all those we serve.