By Courtney Schmoll—
MUNCIE, IN— Indiana University Health has named Art Vasquez president of its newly aligned North Region, which includes IU Health Ball, along with hospitals and outpatient facilities across Delaware, Blackford, Jay, Allen, Tippecanoe, White, Clinton and Tipton counties.
Vasquez will oversee regional strategy while local leaders in Muncie — including Dr. Ryan Johnston (chief medical officer), Melissa Hicks, DNP, RN-BC, NE-BC (chief nursing officer), and Kreigh Cook (chief operating officer) — continue guiding day-to-day care and community engagement.
“As IU Health continues to strengthen care across its northern communities, this alignment supports greater collaboration and consistency across the region,” says Brian Shockney, senior vice president, system regional operations. “Art is a values-based leader who empowers teams through clarity, development and accountability. His approach will be a tremendous benefit to Muncie and the surrounding areas.”
Vasquez joined IU Health in 2016 and has since held several key leadership roles, including president of IU Health West Region since 2021, chief operating and financial officer of IU Health West Hospital, and chief operating officer for the IU Health Indianapolis Suburban Region.
Before joining IU Health, he held leadership positions at St. Catherine’s Hospital in East Chicago and Kaufman Hall & Associates. He holds a finance degree from DePaul University, an MBA from Purdue University Northwest, and is a certified public accountant.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to support the exceptional teams at IU Health Ball, Blackford, Jay and Fort Wayne” Vasquez says. “These communities have a long and proud history of delivering outstanding care. My focus is ensuring our teams have what they need to continue serving patients and strengthening local partnerships.”
Vasquez succeeds Jeff Bird, MD, who retired this month after four decades of service to the Muncie community and the East Region. Dr. Bird’s leadership has shaped a strong culture of compassion, teamwork and purpose.
“As I prepare for retirement, it brings me great confidence to know Art will be leading this next chapter,” said Jeff Bird, MD, president of IU Health East Region. “He is a leader who listens, who values people and who creates clarity and purpose for teams. His commitment to community partnership will serve the North Region well.”
The transition was completed on January 5, 2026 with no changes in how patients access services at IU Health Ball or its regional locations.
About IU Health
Indiana University Health is dedicated to offering highly-skilled, patient-centered care. Named among U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 Best Hospitals as a High Performing hospital in four specialties, IU Health Medical Center is the only academic medical center in the state. The distinctive partnership with the Indiana University School of Medicine – one of the nation’s leading medical schools – equips our highly-skilled physicians with access to innovative treatments using the latest research and technology.
Courtney Schmoll directs Regional Communications | Public Relations | Social Media for the IU Health North Region.
