SHO is proud to celebrate Steve Long, President & CEO of Hancock Health, who has been honored by the Indianapolis Business Journal as the 2026 Health Care Executive of the Year at the Excellence in Health Care Awards.
This prestigious recognition highlights Steve’s bold, mission‑driven approach to leading one of Indiana’s fastest‑growing community health systems – an approach defined by independence within a collaborative ecosystem, innovative care models, and deep community investment. His nearly twelve years of leadership have positioned Hancock Health as both a trusted local provider and a forward‑looking regional partner.
Transformative Leadership for a Growing Community
The IBJ notes that sustaining a county‑owned, single‑hospital health system is no small feat – but Steve has embraced the challenge as a long‑term mission. Under his leadership, Hancock Health has implemented strategies that strengthen organizational sustainability while preserving the health system’s independent identity.
At the heart of this strategy is a commitment to strategic partnerships. Hancock Health now collaborates with Mayo Clinic for complex case consultations, OrthoIndy for orthopedic services, and holds a stake in the Ascension St. Vincent Heart Center to broaden access to advanced cardiovascular care.
These partnerships extend the system’s capabilities without compromising its community‑centered mission – an achievement the IBJ underscores as foundational to Steve’s success.
Expanding Access Through Innovation
Steve has championed initiatives that bring high‑quality, cutting‑edge care closer to home for Hancock County residents. Enhancements under his leadership include:
- Expansion of population health initiatives and improved access to local care.
- Investments in innovative service models and workforce development.
- Meaningful growth in behavioral health and women’s health access, alongside the introduction of groundbreaking therapies such as the Alzheimer’s treatment Leqembi.
These efforts address rising community needs while supporting long‑term health system sustainability.
A Vision for Community and Economic Vitality
One of his most visionary undertakings, highlighted prominently by the IBJ, is the acquisition and development of 140 acres near I‑70, now home to a growing hub of medical, residential, senior living, and commercial services – with additional projects, including a hotel and conference center, underway.
This development not only expands access to care but also fuels local economic growth – reflecting Steve’s belief that a health system’s responsibility extends beyond clinical walls and into the wellbeing of the community it serves.
Recognizing Leadership Rooted in Mission and Innovation
As Hancock Health approaches its 75th anniversary, this award affirms the impact of leadership that balances innovation with compassion, partnership with independence, and growth with community purpose.
Steve’s work embodies the spirit of what makes SHO-member organizations exceptional: the ability to remain independent while leveraging collective strength and shared values to improve regional health.
We congratulate Steve Long on this well‑deserved honor and celebrate the continued excellence of Hancock Health and its leadership within the SHO network.
Read more from the IBJ here: 2026 Excellence in Health Care: Hancock Health is ‘exactly the right place’ for leader – Indianapolis Business Journal
