By Erin Moore—
MUNCIE, IN—Open Door Health Services’ president and CEO, Bryan Ayars, has announced his intention to retire in mid-2026. Ayars has served as Open Door’s CEO for nearly a decade, guiding the organization through significant growth and the COVID-19 pandemic. He will continue to serve as CEO while the Open Door Board of Directors completes a national search and identifies his replacement.
“Professionally, I’ve long held the belief that a decade leading an organization is about the right amount of time for the entity’s health. I also recognized I have spent 50 years involved in some type of healthcare service,” said Ayars. “I believe it’s time for me to move on to the next chapter in my book of life.”
During Ayars’ tenure, Open Door grew to over 250 employees serving over 30,000 East Central Indiana residents each year. The organization has quadrupled the size of its behavioral health team, added chiropractic, pain management, and pharmacy services, launched the Open Door Connections initiative in Muncie neighborhoods, and opened new sites such as Open Door Urgent Care, Open Door White River, and the newest location within the Muncie YMCA.
His leadership during the Covid pandemic and active participation on community and nonprofit boards positioned Open Door as a knowledgeable, reliable, and trusted partner for improving well-being and quality of life in East Central Indiana.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to sincerely thank Bryan Ayars for his dedicated service and the lasting impact of his leadership at Open Door Health Services,” said Ken Hudson, Board Chair. “Over his tenure, Bryan helped strengthen the organization and move our mission forward, improving the quality of life of others across the communities we love and serve. With steady guidance, he served as a leading community voice and successfully guided the organization through the challenges and uncertainty of the global pandemic. His leadership will be deeply missed throughout the organization and the Muncie community.”
Open Door’s transition of leadership will not impact its status as a federally qualified health center, nor its locations, hours, or services. Patients can expect the same high-quality, compassionate care throughout this transition and beyond. Ayars and the Board of Directors are committed to an intentional and thoughtful succession process grounded in Open Door’s mission to improve the quality of life and guided by the organization’s vision and values.
“I anticipate a robust level of interest in leading Open Door Health Services to its next chapter of success,” said Ayars. “I have the utmost confidence that our current leadership is ready and able to move forward together. It truly has been an honor and a privilege to be a part of Open Door Health Services.”
Open Door’s future builds on over five decades of growth, strong community partnerships, and commitment to improving quality of life for those it serves. Individuals interested in learning more about this leadership opportunity are encouraged to visit opendoorhs.org/employment. Please direct questions to Chrissy Stefani, Vice President of Human Resources, at 765-286-7000 x 4053 or Clstefani@opendoorhs.org.
About Open Door Health Services
Open Door Health Services is a not-for-profit, Federally Qualified Health Center serving more than 30,000 East Central Indiana residents across Delaware and Madison Counties. We offer comprehensive adult and family care, pediatrics, urgent care, and specialty healthcare services including behavioral health, chiropractic, dental, family planning, pain management, pharmacy, and wraparound social support across multiple sites. The ability to pay is not a barrier to care. Medicaid, Medicare, and most private insurances are accepted. A sliding fee scale is available for residents who are uninsured or underinsured. Learn more at opendoorhs.org.
