Steven Jones has always been a hard worker. It is a characteristic that has enabled him to advance significantly in his professional life.
“I started working on my 15th birthday, and I have been working ever since,” said Jones. “Looking at all the experiences I’ve had in the private and public sectors, it has allowed me to have a greater appreciation for execution and getting things done.”
Such a can-do attitude has resulted in Jones’ most recent rise at his longtime employer, Indiana University Health.
Jones was recently promoted to vice president of human resources of IU Health’s academic health center and system services. He will now be responsible for the leadership of human resources functions in the benefits, compensation, talent management, diversity/inclusion and leadership development departments. Other duties include responsibility for the effectiveness of all human resource policies, procedures and standards.
“I’ve been a part of HR for 25-plus years. This isn’t new territory, but when you think about the complexity of an organization the size of IU Health, it does create another layer of challenge for me,” said Jones.
The Arsenal Technical High School graduate has held various human resources leadership roles at IU Health, most recently serving as the executive director of talent management and diversity.
“Throughout his career at IU Health, Steven has consistently demonstrated professionalism and expertise in his efforts to benefit our patients and team members. He is a stellar employee who embodies the mission of our organization and serves and an invaluable asset to our system,” said Sheriee Ladd, senior vice president of human resources for IU Health, also Jones’ superior.
Jones says he is “excited about leaving a legacy and continuing to help direct employees in their careers.” In his new role, Jones plans to cultivate an enhanced partnership amongst the health system’s leadership team as well as capitalize on IU Health’s programs and services in an effort to ensure patients receive the best quality care possible.
“Change is constant, particularly with health care, so there is no opportunity to rest upon what you did yesterday. You can always find a way to become a better department, person or organization,” explained Jones.
Bill Shrewsberry, president and CEO of Shrewsberry and Associates has known Jones for more than 20 years and isn’t surprised that the go-getter is still ambitious and climbing up the corporate ladder.
“Steven has a good, solid character, is dependable and is intelligent. I congratulate him for this new achievement,” said Shrewsberry.
While Shrewsberry has served as a mentor to Jones over the years, he is quick to point out the mutually-beneficial aspect of their relationship.
“I’ve given him professional advice and led by example, but he reminds me of the importance of steadfastness in professional development,” said Shrewsberry.
Jones has received numerous awards and recognitions over the years including receiving the state’s highest civilian honor, the Sagamore on the Wabash in 1993 from Gov. Evan Bayh. More recently, Jones’s diversity expertise resulted in IU Health receiving national recognition from the Institute for Diversity in Health Management, an affiliate of the American Hospital Association of which Jones also serves as a guest presenter for the institute’s national online seminars.
Jones graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Wabash College. After college he began his career as a district sales manager at the Indianapolis Star and News. From there he worked for the Department of Transportation as well as the state of Indiana in the personnel department under then Gov. Evan Bayh’s administration.
Jones transitioned into human resources and the health care industry when taking an HR director position at The HealthCare Group LLC, also known as M-Plan and Encore. From there, Jones began his tenure at IU Health and worked his way up the ranks.
While Jones has made significant accomplishments in his career, he simultaneously gave back to the community. Jones has served on the boards of directors for Little Red Door, Indiana Black Expo, and the Center for Leadership Development (of which he is a 1981 graduate). Jones co-chaired the Circle City Classic Parade for 18 years and currently serves as president of the Financial Health Federal Credit Union.
When he’s not working or volunteering his time, Jones enjoys traveling and listening to jazz.
While Jones’ professional accomplishments could have taken him to larger cities; he chooses to remain in Indianapolis in part because of the relationships he has built with individuals such as Shrewsberry, Sam Odle and Henry Bundles. Jones said each of those men helped him become who he is today and in turn, he wants to replicate such deeds to others.
Though Jones understands his new role includes challenges and demands more of his time, he says he considers IU Health and his new role true blessings.
“We have great visionaries at IU Health. Being ill can be so overwhelming,” said Jones. “To know that there are compassionate individuals who are here to help people through that; it’s enough to wake up in the morning and feel good about what it is you’re going to face during the day.”
