Michelle Crawford, chief financial officer for Mercy Health – Lorain and Youngstown, has once again been named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s annual list of “Hospital and Health System CFOs to Know.” This marks her second consecutive year receiving this honor (2024 and 2025). She was also recognized on Becker’s “Women Hospital and Health System CFOs to Know” list in both 2023 and 2024, highlighting her continued excellence and leadership in financial strategy and healthcare operations.
The 2025 "Hospital and Health System CFOs to know" list recognizes the meaningful contributions CFOs are making within the healthcare ecosystem. The CFOs honored as part of this list oversee massive budgets, steer complex revenue cycles and craft financial strategies that keep their institutions on solid footing. Recognized for safeguarding the financial wellbeing of their hospitals and health systems, these leaders make it possible for their organizations to prioritize exceptional patient care. This list honors their dedication to strengthening financial operations, an essential foundation for every successful healthcare facility.
“Michelle Crawford is an extraordinary leader whose financial expertise and strategic insight continue to guide our ministry forward,” said John Luellen, MD, state president, Ohio. “Her stewardship ensures that we can focus on delivering high-quality, compassionate care while remaining financially strong. This recognition is a testament to the vision and discipline she brings to our leadership team.”
Crawford has served as CFO of Mercy Health – Youngstown since 2020 and expanded her role in 2022 to also include oversight of Mercy Health – Lorain. Overseeing an annual budget of $7 billion, she leads financial operations, strategic planning, budgeting, revenue cycle management, and financial reporting across both markets. Crawford also manages financial oversight for Youngstown’s community benefit programs, which totaled more than $100 million in 2023.
Crawford began her career with Mercy Health in 1997 as a senior accountant. She has steadily advanced through the organization, earning a reputation for developing high-performing teams, leading with integrity, and delivering results.
“I’m honored to be recognized by Becker’s alongside such talented peers across the country,” said Michelle Crawford. “This recognition reflects our incredible team’s shared commitment to our ministry’s value of stewardship, ensuring every resource is used to support the health and well-being of our patients and the communities we serve.”
In addition to her leadership within the ministry, Crawford serves on the boards of the Youngstown Business Incubator and Urologic Oncology of Mahoning Valley, LLC, and is actively involved in community and organizational development.
Her continued recognition by Becker’s Hospital Review highlights her impact as a dynamic and influential leader who plays a critical role in advancing Mercy Health’s Mission to extend the compassionate ministry of Jesus by improving the health and well-being of our communities and bring good help to those in need, especially people who are poor, dying and underserved.
The Becker's Hospital Review editorial team accepted nominations for this list. The full list features individual profiles of all leaders on the list, which can be read here.