In a world where hospital executives often focus on metrics and margins, Ben Goodstein chose to learn from bowling alleys instead. The honored Marquis Who’s Who recipient and Dayton Children’s Hospital vice president oversees revenue departments, sets team guidelines and empowers them to succeed independently.
From Military Man to Health Care Leader
Before Mr. Goodstein became the leader behind Dayton Children’s Hospital’s growth, he earned a Master of Business Administration in financial management from Lake Land College and spent eight years in military service.
Rather than adopting the stereotypical command-and-control perspective, Mr. Goodstein discovered in the military that authentic leadership thrives through relationships, not dictation. This formative experience taught him that building connections with subordinates and superiors creates pathways for meaningful impact.
Additionally, Mr. Goodstein shares that he is fortunate to be surrounded by hand-selected mentors and coaches who provide new perspectives and help him become a more authentic version of himself. All these laid the groundwork for his situational and multifaceted leadership style, which would later revolutionize Dayton Children’s Hospital.
Mr. Goodstein mentions, “Whether I am a military man, a health care leader, husband or a father, there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t try to find some better way for me to do what I do every single day. I am passionate about the environment I create at home and work. My success at home is because of the same style of fatherly guidance I give: ‘Listen to your life and don’t talk.’”
Growing a Pediatric Powerhouse
Mr. Goodstein serves in dual leadership capacities at Dayton Children’s Hospital, overseeing approximately 80% of all revenue-producing departments as vice president and chief ambulatory officer while leading Dayton Children’s Specialty Physicians Inc. as president.
Mr. Goodstein manages critical operational areas, including laboratory services, medical imaging, inpatient and outpatient pharmacy and the home care board. He also oversees service-line operations and manages provider strategy, including compensation, benefits, recruitment, retention and contracting.
Mr. Goodstein’s most notable business achievement is his contribution to building service lines at Dayton Children’s. This enhanced fiscal responsibility in capital management and budgeting.
Beyond operational oversight, Mr. Goodstein focuses intensely on staff wellness and team empowerment, which he considers cornerstones of exceptional care. He provides strategic direction while supporting teams through continuous learning and leadership development initiatives, beginning with assessments like Myers-Briggs or Dominance, Influence, Steadiness and Conscientiousness (DISC) to establish common communication frameworks.
Leadership Impact
The growth of Dayton Children’s Hospital tells a compelling story of Mr. Goodstein’s effective leadership technique. Since joining Dayton Children’s in 2014, he has helped transform the organization from a $200 million operation with 47 employed physicians to a nearly $900 million enterprise boasting over 580 providers.
This expansion is not merely financial or manpower. Mr. Goodstein has also been expanding the hospital’s capabilities, taking on the challenge of separating conjoined twins whose brains were connected by arteries and veins. This complex surgery, which many other children’s hospitals had declined, showcased the world-class capabilities of his staff and brought international recognition to Dayton Children’s Hospital.
Under Mr. Goodstein’s leadership, Dayton Children’s Hospital has developed world-class capabilities that rival much larger institutions. This is evidenced by its recognition as a 2024-2025 Best Children’s Hospital by U.S. News & World Report in Orthopedics and Behavioral Health.
Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Goodstein is also actively involved in civic organizations. He sponsors Tunnels to Towers, volunteers with the Freemasons, is an executive member of the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, sits on the board of Minster Bank and acts as a backbone leader for Hope Zone in Dayton, Ohio.
Balancing Leadership and Compassion
Aside from his title and roles, Mr. Goodstein’s leadership is built on his genuine concern for the people. He believes in treating people well, listening genuinely and building meaningful relationships.
His relationship-centric perspective offers a blueprint: empower rather than control, build relationships rather than hierarchies and play the infinite game rather than obsess over quarterly wins.
“My foundation was built on integrity, compassion and a drive for excellence. Integrity to me means if I make a mistake, I win it. I don’t hide from it. I don’t shy away from it. I own it,” Mr. Goodstein adds.
In his personal life, Mr. Goodstein enjoys spending time with his family. He also finds joy in his hobbies, such as traveling, playing golf, collecting classic cars and hunting. With future opportunities to look forward to, the Marquis Who’s Who winner acknowledges that the work continues. He envisions using his operational experience more deeply to drive hospital strategies that meet community needs and improve public health.
Mr. Goodstein mentions, “Titles and accolades do not define my leadership. I am into mentorship, accountability and making a tangible difference in the communities. My two greatest accomplishments are being a father to a beautiful daughter, Delainey, and a husband to my sweet wife, Stephanie. I aim to leave a legacy of compassion, innovative care and inspiring others to join me in this pursuit of excellence.”
About Marquis Who’s Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who’s Who in America®, Marquis Who’s Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who’s Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms worldwide. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who’s Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com’.
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