Following an extensive national search, the IRHA board of directors confirmed Cara Veale as the organization’s Chief Executive Officer in 2020, with Dr. Veale formally assuming her responsibilities in July of that year. She joined IRHA from Daviess Community Hospital in southwest Indiana, where she previously served in a variety of executive leadership positions, including Vice President of Provider Services (providing administrative oversight for the medical practice division) and serving as the hospital’s first Chief Patient Experience Officer. Prior to taking on executive responsibilities, Dr. Veale was the hospital’s Director of Outpatient Rehabilitation Therapies, where she oversaw physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology and audiology services. She began her professional career as an Occupational Therapist at Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes (Indiana) in 2006, moving to the nearby Daviess Community Hospital in 2007.

Holding a Doctorate in Health Sciences from the University of Indianapolis, Dr. Veale also received a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in occupational therapy from the University of Indianapolis. She is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE). Prior to being selected as CEO for IRHA, Dr. Veale served on the Board of Directors of the organization.