Executive Leadership

John “Jack” Horner has been employed by Major Health Partners (MHP) since 1985 serving as the President and CEO since 2008. Under his leadership, MHP has achieved distinction including being recognized multiple times as a Top 100 Hospital in America by Thompson-Reuters and Truven Health and a Top Technology Hospital. Mr. Horner is a 1981 graduate of the Purdue University School of Pharmacy, is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, a current Board Member of the Indiana Hospital Association and formerly served as Central District President of the Indiana Healthcare Association, 2014-2015. In 2020, the Indiana Hospital Association recognized Mr. Horner with their highest award, the Distinguished Service Award for outstanding contributions made to MHP, the Community and the health care profession. Mr. Horner is a Shelbyville native and is active in numerous community activities.

Linda Wessic joined Major Health Partners (MHP) in 1981 and has served in her current role as Vice President of Nursing Services since 2012.

Ms. Wessic was awarded a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Evansville in 1981, a Master of Business Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University in 1994 and is a Board-Certified Nurse Executive with the American Nurses Credentialing Center and is certified in Executive Nursing Practice by the American Organization of Nurse Executives. Ms. Wessic has professional memberships with the American Organization of Nurse Executives, Indiana Organization of Nurse Executives, VHA (Vizient) Chief Nursing Executive/Chief Operating Officer Peer Group, American Nurses Association, and Indiana State Nurses Association, and she also serves on the Indiana University Columbus School of Nursing Advisory Council. Community Involvement includes participation in various community health fairs, resource person for Blue River Vocation School Health Careers Program, and past service to Girls Inc. as a Board Member.

Ralph Mercuri has been Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since 2008. Mr. Mercuri is responsible for the day-to-day financial operations as well as the planning, organization, and management of all MHP financial activities. Mr. Mercuri was awarded a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Dayton in 1980, a Bachelor of Science (Magna Cum Laude) degree in Accounting from the University of Dayton in 1978, and an Associate of Arts (Applied Science with Honors) degree from Sinclair Community College in 1973 and has been a Certified Public Accountant since 1992. Mr. Mercuri is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and an Advanced Member of the Hospital Financial Management Association. He has also served on various boards and community service organizations.

Ryan Claxton has been with Major Health Partners (MHP) since October 2007. Mr. Claxton is responsible for management, oversight and development of multiple affiliated entities and services including MHP’s outpatient physician practices, multiple on-site/employer-based clinics, a combined urgent care/occupational clinic, health benefit plan administration and contractual relations, hospital JV relationships, and risk management. Mr. Claxton acts as the liaison to local employers for health care and related services.

Mr. Claxton was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wabash College in 2001 and a Doctorate of Jurisprudence degree from Indiana University School of Law in May 2004. Mr. Claxton has served on Shelby County Council since 2012 and has been active with numerous other community organizations including the Major Hospital Foundation, Man of the Year Candidate for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, President of Shelby County Development Corporation Board of Directors, Board of Directors for Shelby County Chamber of Commerce, President of Early Learning Shelby County, Secretary for J. Kenneth Self Shelbyville Boy’s Club Board of Directors, President of the Shelby County United Fund Board of Directors, and former Vice President of Girls, Inc. Board of Directors.

Jeff Williams has served as the Vice President of Facility Operations since January 2009. Mr. Williams is responsible for management of the Engineering and Environmental Services departments as well as building projects, safety, and security. He also serves as MHP’s Safety Officer and Bio-Terrorism Coordinator.

Mr. Williams was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology from Ball State University in 1983. Community activities include Morristown Indiana Chamber of Commerce Past President, over 20 years' service to Indiana Workforce Development System where he was appointed by Governor Daniels to the Indiana Joint Workforce Investment Board, Central Indiana Regional Workforce Board past Chairman, Circle Seven Work Force Investment Board past Chairman, over 15 years services as a Volunteer Fire Fighter, Rescue Captain, Assistant Chief, and Chief. He is also served in the United States Army Reserve where he retired as an Operations Officer.

Dr. Paula Gustafson serves as MHP’s Vice President, Chief Medical Officer and as a board-certified pediatrician and lifestyle medicine physician at MHP Pediatrics. She is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), a board member of the Indiana Chapter of the AAP, and a member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. She is an active health leader in her local community and state with a focus on childhood obesity and early brain development. Dr. Gustafson is a founding member of the Shelby County Early Learning Coalition.

Dr. Gustafson earned a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at General Motors Institute (Kettering University), a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering at MIT, an MBA at INSEAD in Fontainebleau, France, and her Medical Degree at Indiana University School of Medicine. She completed her pediatric residency at IU Health and has been practicing pediatrics in Shelbyville, Indiana, for 20+ years.

Heather Ross has been with Major Health Partners since 2013. Heather began her career at MHP as the Director of Business Development and moved into her current role as Vice President of Population Health in 2022. Heather was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Indiana Wesleyan College and is an Indiana Licensed Health Facility Administrator, Merkin Scholar, and is certified in Value-based Care.

Heather has been instrumental in the development and implementation of the Primary Care Cardiometabolic Center Alliance located in MHP Family and Internal Medicine, the first model of its kind in the nation. Heather is also responsible for the development and redefining of new care and payment models for MHP.

Heather formerly served on the Shelby Eastern School Board for a four-year term.

Ryan has been with MHP since 2007, serving in various leadership roles, including Director and Vice President of Business Development & Strategy. He graduated from Wabash College and earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law.

Ryan has also served as a 3-term Shelby County Councilman and has been actively involved on the boards of several nonprofit organizations.

Heather has been with MHP since 2013, holding roles such as Director of Business Development and Vice President of Population Health. She holds a BS in Accounting from Indiana Wesleyan College, Merkin Scholar, and Certified in Value-based Care.

With 15 years of long-term care experience, including 13 years as an Executive Director, Heather also serves on the board of Shelby Senior Services.

Dr. Gustafson has been with MHP since 1997, where she serves as a pediatrician at MHP Pediatrics and Vice President of the Medical Staff. She is a board-certified pediatrician and lifestyle medicine physician. Dr. Gustafson is also a founding member of the Shelby County Early Learning Coalition.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from General Motors Institute (Kettering University), a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from MIT, an MBA from INSEAD in France, and a Medical Degree from Indiana University School of Medicine. She completed her pediatric residency at IU Health and has over 25 years of experience practicing pediatrics in Shelbyville, Indiana.

Ralph has been a dedicated member of the MHP team since 2008, serving as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) since that time. With a strong background in healthcare finance, he plays a crucial role in the hospital’s financial management and strategic planning.

Ralph is a graduate of the University of Dayton and is an active member of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). His leadership and financial expertise contribute significantly to the hospital's ongoing growth and success.

Stephen joined MHP in 2022. Prior to his current role, he was the Director of Behavioral Health/Health Equity at MHP, where he played a key role in shaping the hospital's approach to mental health services and health equity. He holds a master’s degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Indianapolis and has served as CEO at various VA facilities across the U.S.

Stephen is also the President of the Healthy Shelby County Board of Directors, leading the creation of the Shelby County Nonprofit Center.

Karen has been with MHP since 1995, starting her career as a bedside RN. Over the years, she has served as the ICU Manager and Director of Inpatient Care, contributing greatly to the growth and quality of patient care. Karen earned her BSN from the University of Indianapolis and her MSN from Grand Canyon University. She also received her Nurse Executive Advanced Board Certification (NEA-BC) in 2024.