OhioHealth CEO Stephen Markovich Inducted Into Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame
OhioHealth is proud to announce that president and CEO, Stephen Markovich, MD, was inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2025. This honor recognized Dr. Markovich's contributions to his community and profession following an accomplished career of military service.
Dr. Markovich and his fellow inductees were honored during the 34th annual Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 6. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine welcomed the 20 members of the Class of 2025, representing all four branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and 12 Ohio counties.
Established in 1992 and hosted by the Ohio Department of Veterans Services, the Hall of Fame recognizes veterans who have continued to serve their communities, state and nation with distinction after their military careers. Each year’s honorees are permanently recognized with a bronze plaque displayed in the Riffe Center for Government and the Arts in Columbus.
“I am deeply humbled to be included among such a distinguished group of Ohio veterans,” said Dr. Markovich. “My time in the military instilled in me a profound sense of duty, not just to our country, but to our community. It is an honor to continue that service by working alongside the dedicated team at OhioHealth to improve the health of those we serve.”
Dr. Markovich’s induction reflects a lifelong commitment to service in uniform and beyond. A retired major general and former Commander of the Ohio Air National Guard in Columbus, he directed operations and policy to ensure mission readiness for nearly 5,000 personnel across four flying wings and six support units serving Ohio and the nation in both homeland defense and federal missions.
Entering service in 1980 through the Air Force Officer Training School after graduating from the University of Michigan, Dr. Markovich earned his pilot wings in 1986 and flew as an A-7 mission pilot and F-16 instructor pilot. While serving, he attended medical school at The Ohio State University, and later earned his flight surgeon wings in 2003. A command pilot with more than 2,000 flying hours, he served in multiple operations and positions, including commanding the 121st Medical Group, serving as State Air Surgeon for the Ohio Air National Guard and completing deployments to the Middle East. He also led the development of the nation’s first chemical and biological response task force, which responds to medical disasters in the state of Ohio.
Dr. Markovich’s military accolades include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Aerial Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Ohio Distinguished Service Medal and numerous other honors recognizing his leadership and commitment to service.
Following his military service, Dr. Markovich built a respected career in medicine and healthcare leadership. A family and emergency medicine physician at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital, he later held several key leadership roles there, including hospital president, before advancing to systemwide roles overseeing Acute Care Operations. He was named president and CEO of OhioHealth in July 2019.
A passionate advocate for veterans, he founded OhioHealth’s Veterans Business Resource Group, instituted recognition programs for veteran patients and created remembrance ceremonies honoring those who pass in OhioHealth facilities. He has also played a key role in the National Veterans Memorial and Museum as a board member and search committee chair.
In a news release, Maj. Gen. (U.S. Army, retired) John C. Harris Jr., ODVS Director, called the induction “a celebration of the amazing accomplishments of those who continue to serve in impactful ways after putting away their military uniforms. This is one of the most enjoyable days of the year because we get to honor people of laudable service and high character, look them and their loved ones in the eyes, and, on behalf of the entire state of Ohio, offer our most sincere gratitude.”
Brig. Gen. Matthew S. Woodruff, Ohio Adjutant General, echoed the sentiment, “Ohio veterans continue serving our communities by making positive contributions, building stronger futures and inspiring future generations. The 20 veterans inducted today, including four Ohio National Guard members, are continuing to make Ohio a better place.”
For more information, visit dvs.ohio.gov/hall-of-fame.
