Ovation Healthcare Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Ovation Healthcare has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, technology services, and operational management.

Committed to empowering independent hospitals, Ovation Healthcare delivers specialized expertise in spend management and revenue cycle optimization to ensure long-term clinical and financial sustainability across the healthcare landscape.

Leadership Roles at Ovation Healthcare

  • Chief Executive Officer - Dwayne Gunter
  • Interim Chief Executive Officer - James Heitzenrater
  • Senior Executive Assitant To Chief Executive Officer and Senior Vice President Operational Metrics - Jayna Fresorger
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Mickey Bilbrey
  • Chief Executive Officer for Ohio County Healthcare - Shellie Shouse
  • Interim Hospital Chief Executive Officer - Kenneth Huey
  • Interim Chief Executive Officer - Rex Walk
  • Chief Financial Officer - Thomas Gibson
  • Services Chief Operating Officer, Technology - Dean Paquette
  • Chief Technology Officer & Senior VP, Technology Services - Praveen Pulukuri
  • Dwayne Gunter - Chief Executive Officer

    Dwayne Gunter, the Chief Executive Officer at Ovation Healthcare, directs the overarching strategic vision for independent hospital partnerships. Gunter architects high-level initiatives focused on expanding the reach of shared services across North American markets. By aligning leadership advisory with core business objectives, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that independent facilities maintain competitive advantages in complex regulatory environments. Dwayne Gunter maintains constant communication with the Board to refine long-term growth trajectories and operational efficiency. This executive leadership role involves identifying emerging market trends that impact hospital spend management and revenue cycle performance. Through rigorous oversight of organizational health, the Chief Executive Officer drives sustainable value for all partner institutions. Gunter prioritizes the integration of technology services to modernize hospital infrastructure, ultimately securing the financial viability of independent healthcare providers while fostering innovation in patient care delivery models.
    Dwayne Gunter

    James Heitzenrater - Interim Chief Executive Officer

    James Heitzenrater, the Interim Chief Executive Officer at Ovation Healthcare, manages the immediate transition of leadership priorities to maintain continuity in hospital support services. Heitzenrater oversees the execution of existing spend management contracts, ensuring that independent hospitals experience zero disruption in critical administrative functions. The Interim Chief Executive Officer coordinates with department heads to stabilize revenue cycle management processes during this period of executive transition. James Heitzenrater evaluates current operational workflows to identify immediate opportunities for cost reduction and efficiency gains across the enterprise. By maintaining a steady focus on client-facing deliverables, the Interim Chief Executive Officer preserves the integrity of the company's market position. This role requires precise management of internal resources to support the broader mission of empowering independent healthcare facilities. Heitzenrater facilitates seamless collaboration between technology teams and clinical partners, ensuring that all service-level agreements remain fully met while preparing the organization for future strategic shifts.

    Jayna Fresorger - Senior Executive Assitant To Chief Executive Officer and Senior Vice President Operational Metrics

    Jayna Fresorger, the Senior Executive Assitant To Chief Executive Officer and Senior Vice President Operational Metrics at Ovation Healthcare, monitors the performance data that drives executive decision-making. Fresorger analyzes complex operational metrics to provide actionable insights regarding hospital spend management and revenue cycle efficiency. The Senior Executive Assitant To Chief Executive Officer and Senior Vice President Operational Metrics synthesizes large datasets into clear reports for the C-suite, enabling data-driven adjustments to corporate strategy. Jayna Fresorger manages the flow of critical information between the executive office and departmental leads, ensuring alignment on key performance indicators. This role involves tracking the success of technology services implementation across various hospital partners. By maintaining rigorous standards for data accuracy, the Senior Executive Assitant To Chief Executive Officer and Senior Vice President Operational Metrics supports the company's commitment to operational excellence. Fresorger facilitates the rapid identification of performance gaps, allowing the leadership team to implement corrective measures that protect the financial health of independent healthcare organizations.

    Mickey Bilbrey - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Mickey Bilbrey, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Ovation Healthcare, leads the expansion of shared services across diverse regional markets. Bilbrey architects the business development strategy that connects independent hospitals with essential technology and revenue cycle management tools. The President & Chief Executive Officer cultivates strong relationships with hospital boards to ensure that the company's advisory services meet specific local needs. Mickey Bilbrey drives the integration of spend management solutions that reduce overhead costs for partner facilities. This leadership role involves balancing immediate operational demands with the long-term goal of transforming independent healthcare delivery. By overseeing the alignment of internal teams, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that all service offerings remain responsive to the evolving needs of the healthcare industry. Bilbrey champions a culture of accountability and innovation, positioning the company as the premier partner for hospitals seeking to improve financial performance and operational stability in a challenging economic climate.
    Mickey Bilbrey

    Shellie Shouse - Chief Executive Officer for Ohio County Healthcare

    Shellie Shouse, the Chief Executive Officer for Ohio County Healthcare at Ovation Healthcare, directs the specific operational success of the Ohio County facility. Shouse implements the company's broader spend management and revenue cycle strategies at the local level to maximize financial performance. The Chief Executive Officer for Ohio County Healthcare coordinates with regional leadership to ensure that clinical services remain aligned with the company's high standards for patient care and administrative efficiency. Shellie Shouse manages the daily operations of the hospital, focusing on optimizing resource allocation and technology utilization. This role requires deep engagement with local stakeholders to maintain the hospital's status as a vital community resource. By executing the company's strategic vision within the specific context of Ohio County, the Chief Executive Officer for Ohio County Healthcare drives measurable improvements in hospital sustainability. Shouse ensures that all administrative processes support the overarching mission of delivering expert healthcare services to the local population.

    Kenneth Huey - Interim Hospital Chief Executive Officer

    Kenneth Huey, the Interim Hospital Chief Executive Officer at Ovation Healthcare, stabilizes hospital operations during periods of leadership change. Huey oversees the implementation of revenue cycle management protocols to ensure consistent cash flow for the facility. The Interim Hospital Chief Executive Officer evaluates existing spend management practices to identify immediate cost-saving opportunities that do not compromise clinical quality. Kenneth Huey coordinates with the broader Ovation leadership team to leverage corporate resources for the benefit of the local hospital. This role involves maintaining staff morale and operational focus while navigating the complexities of hospital administration. By providing steady guidance, the Interim Hospital Chief Executive Officer ensures that the facility continues to meet its obligations to the community. Huey monitors key performance indicators to track progress toward financial goals, ensuring that the hospital remains a viable partner within the Ovation network. This leadership position requires rapid assessment of operational challenges and the decisive execution of solutions.

    Rex Walk - Interim Chief Executive Officer

    Rex Walk, the Interim Chief Executive Officer at Ovation Healthcare, manages the strategic direction of hospital partnerships during transitional phases. Walk oversees the deployment of technology services to enhance administrative efficiency and patient data management. The Interim Chief Executive Officer coordinates with financial teams to audit revenue cycle performance and identify areas for immediate improvement. Rex Walk facilitates communication between the hospital board and the corporate office to ensure alignment on long-term sustainability goals. This role involves the rigorous application of spend management strategies to reduce operational waste across the facility. By maintaining a focus on core business outcomes, the Interim Chief Executive Officer preserves the stability of the hospital's service offerings. Walk drives the execution of critical projects that support the company's mission of empowering independent healthcare providers. This leadership role requires a deep understanding of the healthcare landscape and the ability to implement effective solutions under time-sensitive conditions.

    Thomas Gibson - Chief Financial Officer

    Thomas Gibson, the Chief Financial Officer at Ovation Healthcare, directs the financial strategy and fiscal health of the entire organization. Gibson oversees the management of capital allocation, budgeting, and financial reporting for all shared services provided to independent hospitals. The Chief Financial Officer architects the financial models that support revenue cycle management and spend management initiatives. Thomas Gibson collaborates with the executive team to ensure that all business decisions align with the company's long-term growth objectives. This role involves monitoring market trends that impact the financial stability of healthcare partners and adjusting corporate strategy accordingly. By maintaining rigorous oversight of fiscal operations, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the company remains a reliable partner for independent facilities. Gibson manages the financial risks associated with large-scale technology investments, ensuring that all expenditures contribute to the overall efficiency and profitability of the enterprise while supporting the mission of sustainable healthcare delivery.

    Dean Paquette - Services Chief Operating Officer, Technology

    Dean Paquette, the Services Chief Operating Officer, Technology at Ovation Healthcare, manages the daily delivery of technology-enabled services to independent hospitals. Paquette oversees the operational workflows that connect technology platforms with revenue cycle management and spend management functions. The Services Chief Operating Officer, Technology ensures that all service-level agreements are met through the efficient deployment of technical resources. Dean Paquette coordinates with the technology team to troubleshoot operational issues and implement process improvements that enhance service quality. This role involves managing the logistics of technology service delivery across various regional markets to ensure consistent performance. By focusing on the operational execution of digital strategies, the Services Chief Operating Officer, Technology supports the company's mission of providing high-value shared services. Paquette monitors service performance metrics to identify opportunities for optimization, ensuring that all technology-driven solutions contribute to the financial and operational success of partner hospitals while maintaining high standards of service reliability.

    Praveen Pulukuri - Chief Technology Officer & Senior VP, Technology Services

    Praveen Pulukuri, the Chief Technology Officer & Senior VP, Technology Services at Ovation Healthcare, directs the development and implementation of digital infrastructure for partner hospitals. Pulukuri architects scalable technology solutions that streamline revenue cycle management and improve operational data accuracy. The Chief Technology Officer & Senior VP, Technology Services oversees the integration of advanced software platforms that support spend management and clinical decision-making. Praveen Pulukuri manages the technology roadmap to ensure that all services remain at the forefront of healthcare innovation. This role involves collaborating with other C-suite leaders to align digital capabilities with the company's broader strategic goals. By optimizing the technology stack, the Chief Technology Officer & Senior VP, Technology Services drives efficiency gains that directly impact the financial performance of independent healthcare providers. Pulukuri ensures that all digital systems are secure, compliant, and capable of supporting the complex needs of modern hospital environments across the company's operational footprint.
    Praveen Pulukuri

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Ovation Healthcare Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Ovation Healthcare?
    Ovation Healthcare is led by Dwayne Gunter (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as James Heitzenrater (Interim Chief Executive Officer) and Jayna Fresorger (Senior Executive Assitant To Chief Executive Officer and Senior Vice President Operational Metrics).
    Who is part of Ovation Healthcare’s executive team?
    The executive team of Ovation Healthcare includes leaders such as Dwayne Gunter (Chief Executive Officer), James Heitzenrater (Interim Chief Executive Officer), Jayna Fresorger (Senior Executive Assitant To Chief Executive Officer and Senior Vice President Operational Metrics) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Ovation Healthcare have?
    Ovation Healthcare has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Ovation Healthcare’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Ovation Healthcare includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Interim Chief Executive Officer, Senior Executive Assitant To Chief Executive Officer and Senior Vice President Operational Metrics, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer for Ohio County Healthcare.