By: Dawn Brand Fluhler—
Blackford President Steven West to retire, Jay President Dave Hyatt promoted
Muncie, IN—IU Health’s East Central Region President Jeff Bird, MD, recently announced the retirement of IU Health Blackford Hospital President Steven West, and the promotion of IU Health Jay Hospital President Dave Hyatt.
West will retire from his administrative duties at IU Health effective June 10, 2018.
Steven West
After receiving his undergraduate degree from Miami University and his graduate degree from The Ohio State University, Mr. West began his healthcare administration career in 1978. He began his work with IU Health Blackford (formerly Blackford County Hospital) in 1998, and was named CEO of Blackford County Hospital in 2000. In January 2005, the Hospital moved into its new building. During his tenure at IU Health Blackford, West helped oversee Blackford County Hospital’s integration into Ball Memorial Hospital/Cardinal Health System and later, Clarian Health/Indiana University Health System. He was named IU Health Blackford President in 2016.
“During Steven’s time as president of IU Health Blackford Hospital, a 15-bed certified Critical Access Hospital, he has been instrumental in implementing the changes involved with integrating with IU Health,” Bird said. “Under his leadership, IU Health Blackford has achieved many awards and accomplishments, and has consistently been among IU Health’s highest scoring hospitals in the areas of inpatient satisfaction, employee engagement, and Culture of Patient Satisfaction Survey scores. Steven has always worked to ensure that IU Health Blackford focused on creating and maintaining a Patient First culture.”
West has served on the Blackford Community Hospital Board of Directors beginning in March 2000. He also served on the CHS Homecare Services, Inc. (later Cardinal Health Partners, Inc.) Board of Directors from 2001 – 2003, and was recognized by the Board of Directors for outstanding leadership in 2001. Additionally, he served as the president of the Blackford Community Hospital Ambulance Services, Inc., Board from 2006 – 2008, and on the Indiana Hospital Association Board of Directors from 2008-2009. He was elected to the IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital Board of Directors in January 2015.
West holds a Certificate from the Foundation of the American College of HealthCare Executives for Strategic Approach to your E. Health Initiatives and a Certificate from the Foundation of the American College of HealthCare Executives for Satisfaction Breakthrough Strategies. He is a lifetime Rotarian – Paul Harris Fellow. He is recognized by Blackford Hospital departments and staff for excellent customer service, warm caring attitude, his sense of humor and telling funny stories, cooperation, extra effort and teamwork.
West will continue his service with IU Health by accepting an appointment as Director on the IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital Foundation Board.
Dave Hyatt has been named Critical Access Hospital (CAH) President in the East Central Region for Indiana University Health.
“Critical access hospitals serve an important role, particularly in Indiana to maintain access to high quality healthcare in rural areas,” Bird said. “They also present a unique set of challenges and opportunities in the ever changing healthcare landscape. It is clear that as we move forward, there are several advantages to be gained by having a central leader for both IU Health Jay and IU Health Blackford Hospitals.”
IU Health Jay is a 25 bed critical access hospital in Portland, Indiana, with an additional 10 behavioral health beds providing inpatient and OB care, surgical services and several medical specialties. IU Health Blackford is a 15 bed hospital located in Hartford City, Indiana, offering surgical services, radiology services and several medical specialties.
Hyatt joined IU Health in 2007, serving in leadership roles at IU Health LaPorte Hospital and IU Health Starke Hospital before he was named President at IU Health Jay in 2013. He is a graduate of Indiana University – Bloomington with a degree in Public Health and also earned his Masters of Health Administration from Indiana University – Indianapolis. He is active on many boards in the Portland area. You can also keep up with Hyatt on Twitter by following him @IUHealthDave.
About IU Health Blackford Hospital
IU Health Blackford Hospital serves as a 15-bed critical access hospital for Hartford City, Indiana, and the surrounding communities. IU Health Blackford Hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission and is home to a specialty clinic, outpatient surgical services, a paramedic-level ambulance service as well as an outpatient physician practice and pharmacy. Dave Hyatt is Critical Access Hospital (CAH) President in the East Central Region for Indiana University Health. Learn more at iuhealth.org/blackford.
About IU Health Jay Hospital
IU Health Jay is a 25 bed critical access hospital in Portland, Indiana. IU Health Jay Hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission and is home to a 10 behavioral health unit, inpatient and OB care, surgical services and several medical specialties as well as several outpatient physician practices. Dave Hyatt is Critical Access Hospital (CAH) President in the East Central Region for Indiana University Health. Learn more at iuhealth.org/jay.
