Kevin Speer

2016 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI RECIPIENT

BA 1986, Political Science

Chief Executive Officer, Hendricks Regional Health

As a hospital administrator, Kevin Speer has always believed that success comes from following one simple truth: When you put the patient at the center of all that you do, everything else will fall into place. While leading a hospital in today’s healthcare environment is far from simple, this guiding principle has continued to be the foundation for Kevin’s strategic objectives and management style. It has served him well during his 27 years in  healthcare,  first  as  an  attorney  shaping  healthcare policy affecting hospitals and physicians, and second, as a health system executive.

Kevin began his healthcare journey in 1996 as a partner at Hall, Render, Killian, Heath & Lyman in Indianapolis. In this role, he served as General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer for St. Vincent Health from 2004 to 2006, focusing on coordinating legal transactions for acquisitions as well business development opportunities. Kevin was integral in helping St. Vincent strategically grow; enhance its footprint in the region; and develop mutually beneficial relationships with other organizations.

During this time, Kevin had the opportunity to begin working with physician organizations, a role he found himself greatly enjoying. First, he served from 1996 to 1998 as General Counsel and Director of Government Relations & Public Policy for the Indiana State Medical Association. Kevin was central to managing all aspects of the organization’s legal needs, and advocating for the best interests of its 7,500 members as well as their patients. In 1999, he found a new challenge in the role of Executive Vice President with the Indiana Academy of Family Physicians, a position he is still in today. He acts as the principal spokesman for the 1,800-member organization; a role that draws upon his deep understanding of the legislative issues facing physicians and hospitals.

Each of these evolving roles instilled a passion in Kevin for healthcare, despite its often tumultuous landscape. Working first-hand with hospital administrators and physicians created his desire to try and make an impact on the overall health of his community. Over the years, Kevin has found the opportunities to shape healthcare policy and advocate for the success of our state’s physicians both professionally and personally fulfilling.

In 2006, Kevin’s path in healthcare took a new turn with the role of System Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer for St. Vincent Health. A strategic thinker by nature, he enjoyed leading the development and implementation of many growth initiatives for the health system. He spearheaded the creation of multiple new programs, services and facilities including St. Vincent Children’s Hospital, renamed Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital in 2007. He helped form partnerships and lead acquisitions for many medical specialty areas, including the 2010 acquisition of The Care Group, the nation’s largest single specialty transaction at that time.

All of Kevin’s experience culminated in 2012 with his most exciting challenge yet, which came in the role of President & CEO of Hendricks Regional Health. In his first three years at the helm of the independent, county-owned hospital in western suburban Indianapolis, Kevin has achieved numerous strategic objectives. He has helped strengthen the organization’s commitment to remaining an independent hospital through ensuring a solid financing footing in tandem with aggressive development of services, providers and facilities. He has led efforts to carve a strong position in the employer services arena, helping to create innovative health and wellness partnerships with organizations such as DePauw University. He has also guided the hospital and its physician network through a cultural evolution, named The Hendricks Way, built on the development of a new organizational vision and core values. His leadership is central to the goal of achieving the vision of being the indispensable healthcare partner to five key constituents: patients, payers, physicians, hospital associates and employers.

Throughout his career, Kevin has remained committed to supporting nonprofit organizations that share his passion for strengthening and  supporting  healthy and vibrant communities. He serves as a Board member for numerous Chambers of Commerce in the Hendricks County community; Indiana Sports Corp; and the Hendricks County Economic Development Partnership. He also volunteers in leadership roles for numerous health advocacy and support organizations such as YMCA of Central Indiana; Sheltering Wings Center for Women; and the American Lung Association. Kevin has also been involved in supporting organizations that create opportunities for youth in our region, such as Crossroads (Boy Scouts) of America and Peyback Foundation. As a lacrosse enthusiast, he volunteers in several community lacrosse organizations.

Despite his success in numerous healthcare leadership roles, Kevin is defined by his role of husband and father. His dedication to spending time with his family, including his wife, Kim, and two boys, Eric and Cole, continues to be the mainstay in his life. As a family, the Speer’s enjoy spending time together and taking trips. With two boys in sports, Kevin and Kim enjoy rooting on their sons’ hockey and lacrosse teams and traveling to games.