Since 1967, the Cincinnati Regional Chamber has recognized remarkable individuals who have left an indelible mark on the region at large. Meet the four 2026 Great Living Cincinnatian honorees, along with their selected remarks from the Chamber’s annual dinner on February 26.
[L-R Jeff Wyler, Karen Bankston, Pete Strange, Francie Hiltz // Photograph by Ross Van Pelt]
Karen Bankston began her career as an emergency nurse, which taught her the essential skills of quick assessments and decision-making. She earned advanced degrees while raising two sons as a single mother and rose into healthcare leadership, serving as Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer at University Hospital, Senior Vice President for External Relations for the Health Alliance, and CEO of the Drake Center. Her career culminated with a prestigious induction into the American Academy of Nursing.
“I’m so grateful for the people along the way who saw something in me that I didn’t always see in myself. … Those moments of stretching opened doors for me to serve in ways that I would have never, ever imagined.”
Francie Hiltz carved a powerful and prolific career in philanthropy. From early beginnings as a volunteer at St. Joseph Orphanage for Children to later leadership on boards for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Museum Center, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, National Conference for Community and Justice, and National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, she demonstrated a lifelong commitment to doing good. Hiltz continues to be renowned as an intelligent, connected, and effective leader.
“Francie would like to thank the leaders, volunteers, and many friends in the room tonight. … You have done the work and continue to give of yourselves in so many ways to make our Cincinnati community the exceptional place that we all call home.”—Allison Kropp, daughter
Pete Strange began helping on construction sites at age 6. He majored in engineering at the University of Cincinnati, then completed a co-op at Frank Messer and Sons Construction Company, where he spent his entire professional career. As president of Messer, he helped transition the company into an ESOP. Strange also served as a volunteer and board member for organizations including the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, ArtsWave, Minority Business Accelerator, and University of Cincinnati Foundation.
“The real competition is for the next generation of talent. The only way we win that real competition is if we’re willing to put our arms around brash young people who are without portfolio, without connections, without resources. … If we can create a circle of support for their leadership growth, then together we can create the future that our grandchildren need and deserve.”
Jeff Wyler has been a mainstay of the Cincinnati car dealership sector since 1973. He self-funded an education that culminated in a finance degree from the University of Cincinnati, then started his professional career with the Chevrolet Division of General Motors. Today, the Jeff Wyler Automotive Group is ranked No. 24 among the largest dealerships in the U.S. The Wyler Family Foundation was established in 2009 and grants over $1 million annually, and Wyler remains deeply involved in the University of Cincinnati community.
“Tonight reminds me of a quote from my father from when I was about 9 years old. He said, ‘Son, conduct your life so that your funeral will be well-attended even if it’s on Opening Day.’ ”