Dave Hyatt Named President/CEO of Riverview Health
Writer / Melissa Gibson
Photographer / Whitney Moore
After just one year serving as the Riverview Health chief operating officer, Dave Hyatt was named president and chief executive officer of the organization in late March.
Hyatt isnt new to the health care industry. He has 15 years of experience working in executive roles throughout the state.
My first hospital job was actually at the loading dock at Columbus Regional Hospital as a supply clerk, Hyatt says. I was in college at the time and I thought I wanted to be premed. As it turns out Im not very good at chemistry, but an advisor suggested health care administration and once I switched majors, everything clicked. 
His passions lie in making a difference, working with people and positively impacting the community.
I have served as president at multiple hospitals, spent several years at IU Health, and I came to Riverview Health because I loved the culture and the organization, Hyatt says. Its quite the honor and we have an excellent team, which makes all the difference.
Riverview Health has a main campus in Noblesville and, in 2018, opened a second hospital in Westfield. In addition, there are three freestanding emergency room and urgent care centers and 40 other sites across Hamilton County.
Hyatt says the hospital is unique in the way it serves the community, in many ways.
For example, the three emergency room/urgent care centers in Carmel, West Carmel/Zionsville and Fishers, as well as the emergency departments at the Noblesville and Westfield hospitals are fully staffed emergency departments with emergency-trained physicians and staff. However, the urgent care services are integrated into the center. From 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day, patients are only charged for the level of care they are given.
We do this because thats whats right for the patient, Hyatt says. If mom has a kid with an earache and its 6 p.m., we dont charge more for those services simply because youre in an emergency department.
Despite the numerous locations, Riverview Health might still be considered small compared to some of the large health care systems in the state, but Hyatt says they can use that to their advantage, allowing administration to be flexible and implement decisions quickly to better serve patients.
In one of the fastest-growing counties in Indiana, hes excited to see whats next.
Riverview Health has done an excellent job laying the foundation for growth and success, he says. In the next few months Id like to outline my vision for where we go in the next five to 10 years, delivering the best care for our patients and our community. We want to be the provider of choice. We have the people and the tools, so its really just about putting the right plan in place to make us successful.
Part of that success comes through working with leaders in the community and getting involved, including outside the hospital doors.
I look at a hospital as a community resource, Hyatt says. We want to make sure were meeting the needs of our community and providing a strong place for our residents. Its important for the hospital to partner with businesses, the schools and others to build a stronger community.
Hyatt doesnt need to be convinced that Hamilton County is the place he and his family want to be. His entire family is excited to dive in, serve and be a part of their new home.
Hes already serving on the board for Meals on Wheels Hamilton County and the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce.
His wife, Tonya, is excited to immerse herself in the community too.
I wouldnt be able to do any of this without Tonyas support, Hyatt says. Its been absolutely critical. Shes fallen in love with the community as well, and serves with the Noblesville Youth Assistance Program and coaches for Girls on the Run in Carmel. We have a big belief in giving back to our community and have really enjoyed our time here.
They are parents to 10-year-old George and 7-year-old Eliza.
We had a hard time figuring out where we wanted to live in Hamilton County because you cant make a bad choice when it comes to the schools, Hyatt says. Weve got leadership and foresight in this community that has really made progress, and were all investing in its future.
Above all, Hyatt is impressed with the overall environment at Riverview Health.
What sets us apart is the culture here, he says. Our team is absolutely committed to providing the best care for our patients. We want the care we provide to be affordable and accessible, and there are so many opportunities. Im excited to see the growth.
Hyatt holds A Bachelor of Science in Public Health and Master of Health Administration degrees from Indiana University. He is a certified Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Visit riverview.org for more information.
