Ovation Healthcare Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Focused on empowering independent hospitals, Ovation Healthcare delivers specialized shared services to optimize revenue cycles, manage supply expenses, and modernize healthcare technology infrastructure across the United States.

Leadership Roles at Ovation Healthcare

  • Chief Executive Officer - Dwayne Gunter
  • Interim Chief Executive Officer - James Heitzenrater
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Mickey Bilbrey
  • Interim Hospital Chief Executive Officer - Kenneth Huey
  • Chief Financial Officer - Thomas Gibson
  • Interim Chief Financial Officer - David Pike
  • Services Chief Operating Officer, Technology - Dean Paquette
  • President, Supply & Expense Management - Joshua Sandler
  • Chief Technology Officer & Senior VP, Technology Services - Praveen Pulukuri
  • Chief People Officer - Kila Sweeney
  • 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 long-term growth initiatives while ensuring the organization maintains its status as a premier shared services provider. By aligning leadership advisory services with the evolving needs of the healthcare sector, the Chief Executive Officer drives operational excellence across all client facilities. Gunter monitors market trends to refine the delivery of spend management and revenue cycle solutions. This executive leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to secure financial stability and service quality. Through rigorous oversight of corporate performance, Dwayne Gunter ensures that every independent hospital receives the necessary resources to thrive in a competitive landscape. The Chief Executive Officer maintains a focus on sustainable expansion, fostering a culture of innovation that supports the broader mission of enhancing clinical and administrative outcomes for all partner institutions.
    Dwayne Gunter

    James Heitzenrater - Interim Chief Executive Officer

    James Heitzenrater, the Interim Chief Executive Officer at Ovation Healthcare, manages the immediate operational continuity of the organization during this transition period. Heitzenrater executes critical administrative functions to ensure that independent hospitals continue receiving uninterrupted support in revenue cycle management and leadership advisory. By stabilizing internal processes, the Interim Chief Executive Officer maintains the integrity of the shared services model. James Heitzenrater coordinates with department heads to uphold service standards and meet performance benchmarks across the national footprint. This role requires precise attention to detail regarding the fiscal health of the company and the satisfaction of client facilities. Through proactive communication with stakeholders, the Interim Chief Executive Officer preserves the strategic momentum of the firm. Heitzenrater facilitates seamless collaboration between technology teams and financial advisors, ensuring that the core business objectives remain prioritized while the organization navigates its current leadership phase.

    Mickey Bilbrey - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Mickey Bilbrey, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Ovation Healthcare, governs the comprehensive integration of shared services for independent healthcare providers. Bilbrey architects the organizational framework that allows hospitals to leverage advanced spend management and technology services effectively. As the President & Chief Executive Officer, Bilbrey drives the expansion of market reach, ensuring that independent facilities across the country gain access to enterprise-level expertise. This leadership position involves balancing immediate operational demands with the long-term goal of transforming hospital efficiency. Mickey Bilbrey oversees the alignment of departmental goals with the overarching mission of the company, fostering a unified approach to client success. By optimizing internal workflows and resource allocation, the President & Chief Executive Officer strengthens the competitive position of the firm. Bilbrey maintains a rigorous focus on delivering measurable value, ensuring that every partnership contributes to the financial and operational sustainability of the client hospitals.
    Mickey Bilbrey

    Kenneth Huey - Interim Hospital Chief Executive Officer

    Kenneth Huey, the Interim Hospital Chief Executive Officer at Ovation Healthcare, manages the specific operational requirements of individual hospital clients during transitional phases. Huey executes site-specific strategies that align with the broader shared services model, ensuring that local facilities maintain high standards of care and administrative efficiency. By providing hands-on leadership, the Interim Hospital Chief Executive Officer stabilizes hospital operations and optimizes revenue cycle performance. Kenneth Huey coordinates with regional teams to address unique challenges faced by independent hospitals, implementing solutions that improve spend management and resource utilization. This role requires deep engagement with clinical and administrative staff to foster a culture of accountability and excellence. Through the application of industry-leading best practices, the Interim Hospital Chief Executive Officer drives improvements in operational throughput. Huey ensures that every client facility benefits from the full suite of expertise provided by the organization, maintaining consistent service quality throughout the interim period.

    Thomas Gibson - Chief Financial Officer

    Thomas Gibson, the Chief Financial Officer at Ovation Healthcare, directs the fiscal strategy and financial reporting functions for the entire organization. Gibson architects robust financial models that support the delivery of shared services to independent hospitals, ensuring that revenue cycle management remains profitable and efficient. As the Chief Financial Officer, Gibson oversees capital allocation, budgeting, and long-term financial planning to sustain the company's growth. This leadership role involves monitoring the economic health of client partnerships and identifying opportunities for cost reduction through improved spend management. Thomas Gibson collaborates with other executives to ensure that financial resources align with the strategic priorities of the firm. By maintaining rigorous internal controls and transparency, the Chief Financial Officer safeguards the financial integrity of the organization. Gibson drives the development of financial reporting systems that provide actionable insights, enabling the company to make data-driven decisions that enhance the overall value proposition for independent healthcare providers.

    David Pike - Interim Chief Financial Officer

    David Pike, the Interim Chief Financial Officer at Ovation Healthcare, manages the immediate financial operations and reporting requirements of the firm. Pike executes essential fiscal oversight to ensure that the organization maintains liquidity and operational stability while providing shared services to independent hospitals. By monitoring cash flow and managing financial risks, the Interim Chief Financial Officer supports the continued delivery of revenue cycle and spend management solutions. David Pike coordinates with the finance department to uphold accounting standards and prepare accurate financial statements for stakeholders. This role involves maintaining continuity in financial planning and analysis, ensuring that the company remains on track to meet its performance targets. Through diligent management of fiscal assets, the Interim Chief Financial Officer facilitates the smooth execution of corporate strategy. Pike works closely with leadership to address immediate financial needs, ensuring that the organization remains well-positioned to support its client base during this transitional period.

    Dean Paquette - Services Chief Operating Officer, Technology

    Dean Paquette, the Services Chief Operating Officer, Technology at Ovation Healthcare, manages the day-to-day delivery of technology-enabled services to independent hospitals. Paquette executes operational strategies that ensure the seamless integration of software solutions into hospital workflows, focusing on maximizing the utility of technology services. As the Services Chief Operating Officer, Technology, Paquette oversees the technical support teams and ensures that service level agreements are met consistently. This leadership role involves optimizing the deployment of digital tools to improve revenue cycle management and spend management outcomes. Dean Paquette collaborates with the technology department to refine service delivery processes, ensuring that client hospitals receive high-quality support. By focusing on operational efficiency and user experience, the Services Chief Operating Officer, Technology drives the successful adoption of new systems across the national client base. Paquette maintains a rigorous focus on performance metrics, ensuring that technology services contribute directly to the operational success of partner institutions.

    Joshua Sandler - President, Supply & Expense Management

    Joshua Sandler, the President, Supply & Expense Management at Ovation Healthcare, directs the strategic sourcing and cost-reduction initiatives for independent hospitals. Sandler architects supply chain solutions that optimize procurement processes and reduce operational expenses, directly impacting the financial health of client facilities. As the President, Supply & Expense Management, Sandler oversees the negotiation of vendor contracts and the implementation of spend management strategies across the national network. This leadership role involves collaborating with hospital administrators to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve supply chain efficiency. Joshua Sandler drives the adoption of data-driven procurement practices, ensuring that hospitals receive the best value for their investments. By managing complex supply chain relationships, the President, Supply & Expense Management supports the overall mission of enhancing hospital sustainability. Sandler works closely with the finance team to track savings and demonstrate the tangible impact of supply chain improvements. Through proactive management, the President, Supply & Expense Management ensures that client hospitals remain competitive and financially resilient.

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

    Praveen Pulukuri, the Chief Technology Officer & Senior VP, Technology Services at Ovation Healthcare, architects the digital infrastructure that powers shared services for independent hospitals. Pulukuri directs the development and implementation of advanced technology solutions, including revenue cycle software and data management platforms. As the Chief Technology Officer & Senior VP, Technology Services, Pulukuri ensures that all digital tools remain secure, scalable, and aligned with the needs of the healthcare industry. This leadership role involves overseeing the technology services department and driving innovation in how hospitals manage their data and administrative workflows. Praveen Pulukuri collaborates with other C-suite leaders to integrate technology into the broader service model, enhancing the efficiency of spend management and operational advisory. By prioritizing cybersecurity and system reliability, the Chief Technology Officer & Senior VP, Technology Services supports the long-term success of client facilities. Pulukuri drives the adoption of emerging technologies to maintain the company's competitive edge in the healthcare market.
    Praveen Pulukuri

    Kila Sweeney - Chief People Officer

    Kila Sweeney, the Chief People Officer at Ovation Healthcare, directs the human capital strategy and organizational development initiatives. Sweeney architects programs that attract, retain, and develop the talent necessary to deliver high-quality shared services to independent hospitals. As the Chief People Officer, Sweeney oversees recruitment, employee engagement, and performance management, ensuring that the workforce remains aligned with the company's mission. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration across all departments, including technology and financial advisory. Kila Sweeney collaborates with the executive team to implement leadership development programs that support the growth of the organization. By focusing on employee well-being and professional development, the Chief People Officer drives the retention of top-tier talent. Sweeney ensures that the company maintains a diverse and inclusive environment, which is essential for providing effective advisory services to a wide range of healthcare clients. Through strategic workforce planning, the Chief People Officer supports the long-term operational goals of the firm.
    Kila Sweeney

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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 Mickey Bilbrey (President & Chief Executive Officer).
    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), Mickey Bilbrey (President & Chief Executive Officer) 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, President & Chief Executive Officer, Interim Hospital Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer.