Where did you grow up and where do you live now?
I grew up in Columbus, Ind. and currently live in Westfield. I’ve lived all over Indiana during my career and education.
Who’s in your family?
My wife, Tonya, and I celebrated our 11th anniversary this year. We have a son, George (10), and a daughter, Eliza (8). We also have two dogs––a golden retriever and a Shih Tzu.
How did you decide to go into healthcare?
My family had a history of working in business, so I grew up seeing that and decided that I wanted to do something different. I wanted to do something that helped people in a more mission-oriented manner. I started out pre-med at IU Bloomington and quickly found out that the subject of chemistry and I didn’t get along, so I switched to Public Health. I fell in love with the world of health administration and making sure that our clinicians have the tools they need to care for their patients. It was the best of both worlds—combining business to help healthcare providers improve patients’ lives.
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy golf, hiking, cycling and jogging. I’m signed up for the 2023 Indy Monumental half-marathon if anyone wants to join!
What’s your favorite memory with your family?
I would say that my favorite memory as a family is really just watching my kids grow. They do things every day that weren’t possible for them a year before or even a month before. The pride in seeing them excel and the energy and happiness that it brings them is what life is all about.
What’s your favorite memory from your career thus far?
This one is easy. My daughter was born at the hospital where I was President. Not only was the care team phenomenal, but getting to sign my own daughter’s birth certificate as hospital president is something that I’ll always cherish. My philosophy anywhere I’ve worked is that the care we provide absolutely has to be good enough for my family if we’re going to provide it to anyone else’s family.
What’s your favorite vacation spot and why?
We honestly don’t tend to go to one spot, we enjoy the adventure of finding new places. I would have to say that of the places Tonya and I have visited, either the Oregon Coast or Rocky Mountain National Park would be my favorite. The awesome hiking and outdoor adventures were just something to behold.
If you could curate your own personal concert of five musicians/bands––dead or alive––who would be at your concert?
This is a tough one. I listen to pretty much all genres of music, so it would be pretty hard to nail down a concert where you would go from a jam band one minute to country music to rock and rap all in one sitting. But, looking at my most recently played artists on Spotify, I’d say:
- O.A.R.
- Dave Matthews Band
- Imagine Dragons
- Mumford and Sons
- John Mellencamp
What are your favorite and least favorite foods?
My wife and I love fresh seafood. If we can find a great fresh piece of fish, raw oysters or sushi that is generally what we will do. As far as least favorite, my body has started to tell me that, while I might like the idea of super spicy foods, it, on the other hand, does not––ha!