Executives

G. Thor Thordarson
President/Chief Executive Officer

Mr. Thordarson was named President and Chief Executive Officer in July 2009 and previously joined IU Health La Porte Hospital in June of 2008 as Vice President, Corporate Operations. Prior to his service at IU Health La Porte Hospital, Mr. Thordarson served as healthcare administrator of ambulatory healthcare centers. He was the president of two consulting companies with a variety of strategic, financial and operations healthcare clients throughout the United States. Earlier in his career, Mr. Thordarson worked as a staff nurse on a peripheral vascular floor. Mr. Thordarson received his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Andrews University and a Master in Business Administration from Kent State University. Mr. Thordarson can be reached at 219.326.2555. Assistant: Heidi Jankowski
 
 

Connie J. Ford, BS, PHR
Vice President, Human Resources and Support Services

A veteran of over thirty-eight years of service to IU Health La Porte Hospital and related entities, Mrs. Ford was promoted to Vice President, Human Resources and Material Management in October 1991. She was named to her present position in November 1996. Mrs. Ford has been the Hospital’s Chief Human Resources Official since June 1987. Prior to that she had been a member of the Purchasing staff for over ten years and was the head of the department beginning in early 1986. Mrs. Ford is an active member of the Indiana and American Society for Healthcare Human Resources Administration and the Society for Human Resource Management. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Organizational Management from Bethel College Mishawaka. She achieved her Certificate as a Human Resources Professional in 1993. Mrs. Ford is currently a member of the HR Council for the IU Health System and she is Past President of the Northwest Indiana Chapter of the Society for Human Resources Management. Mrs. Ford can be reached at 219.326.2358. Assistant: Shirley Howell 

William J. Houston, MD
Chief Medical Director

Dr. Houston joined the IU Health La Porte Hospital Emergency Department in 1983 after finishing his residency in Family Practice at Memorial Hospital in South Bend. He received his Board certification in Family Practice that same year. In 1986, Dr. Houston became the Assistant Medical Director of the Emergency Department, and in 1994 he became the Medical Director of the department. In 2006 he accepted the position of the Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Houston attended DePaul University where he received his Bachelor of Science in Biology. He then attended Southern Illinois University School of Medicine where he received his Medical Degree. Dr. Houston was a member of the Air Force Reserves in the capacity of a flight surgeon and won awards for Tactical Air Command, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Nation Defense medal, and the Air Force Military Merit medal. He completed and received certification for the school of Aerospace Medicine and the Squadron Officer School. He also became the Family Practice Consultant to the General Surgeon. Dr. Houston can be reached at 219.326.4653. Assistant: Heidi Jankowski 

David Hyatt
Vice President of Strategy and Ambulatory Services

Mr. Hyatt joined IU Health La Porte Hospital in 2007 as a Business Development Associate after previously working for a consulting firm based out of Indianapolis. During his time in Business Development he worked on and led a wide variety of business development initiatives with the Executive Team and physicians. In September of 2009 Mr. Hyatt was promoted to Vice President of Operations for IU Health Starke Hospital. In January of 2011, in addition to his duties as Vice President of Operations for IU Health Starke Hospital, Mr. Hyatt was promoted to the position of Vice President of Strategy and Ambulatory Services for IU Health La Porte Hospital. Mr. Hyatt is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives and he also serves on the Starke County Chamber of Commerce Board. Mr. Hyatt received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Health, and holds a Master’s in Health Administration - both from Indiana University. Mr. Hyatt can be reached at 574.772.1118. Assistant: Kathy Lenard
 

Mark A. Rafalski, CPA
Chief Operating Officer

Mr. Rafalski joined IU Health La Porte Hospital in 1991 as Manager of Accounting Services after serving four years in various accounting and internal audit roles with Memorial Hospital of South Bend. Mr. Rafalski is a 1987 graduate of Indiana University at South Bend and received his Certified Public Accountant’s license in June of 1994. In November of 1994, he was promoted to the position of Controller at La Porte Hospital. In December of 2001, he advanced to Assistant Vice-President, Finance/Controller. He was promoted to CFO in January 2005 and became Chief Operating Officer in October 2009. In May 2011, he absorbed the role of both CFO and COO. Mr. Rafalski is a member of the Healthcare Financial Management Association and the American College of Healthcare Executives. He served on the Board of Directors for a youth baseball and softball program and also served as their President for 3 years. Mr. Rafalski currently serves on an advisory board for Purdue North Central. Mr. Rafalski can be reached at 219.326.2347. Assistant: Nancy Nickels 

IU Health La Porte Physicians

Rhonda Volk
Vice President

Rhonda Volk joined IU Health La Porte Physicians as Executive Director in July of 2007. She was promoted to Vice President in August 2010. Prior to joining IU Health La Porte Physicians, Rhonda served in various health services management positions in both the private and nonprofit sector. She received a Bachelor of Science in Health Services Management from Indiana University Northwest and is a member of the Medical Group Management Association. She may be reached at 219.326.2485. Assistant: Rebecca Pettet
 

La Porte Hospital Foundation

Maria V. Fruth
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

After serving for over a year as Director of Development, Mrs. Fruth was named Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the La Porte Hospital Foundation in January 1998. She provides overall coordination for all aspects of the Foundation’s important role within IU Health La Porte Hospital and Volunteer Services and serves as the liaison with the La Porte Hospital Auxiliary. Her career with us followed many years of teaching, community service and business experience. She received her BA Degree from the University Federal Minas Gerais in Brazil. Mrs. Fruth is a member of the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy and Association of Fundraising Professionals. In 1999, she received her Certification in Fund Raising Management from Indiana University Center on Philanthropy, Fund Raising School. She is also serving as a member of the Board of Directors of Healthy Communities of La Porte County and the LEAF Board through the La Porte Chamber of Commerce, is a member of the Advisory Committee—Komen Northern Indiana and Community Health Center Advisory Board. Mrs. Fruth can be reached at 219.326.2472.