Satellite Healthcare names new president, CEO

Satellite Healthcare has named Rick J. Barnett president and chief executive officer. Barnett, 54, joins Satellite with more than 30 years of experience at California hospitals and ambulatory care centers.

Former CEO Mark Burke resigned May 31, after holding the position for 23 years.

"We selected Rick because he has deep experience and knowledge in not-for-profit healthcare systems and extraordinary leadership skills. His passion for improving the delivery of modern healthcare services and the lives of patients is perfectly in line with Satellite’s mission,” said William Long, chairman of the board. “The board is confident that Rick will successfully guide Satellite in the expansion of our dialysis programs while maintaining the organization’s strong focus on research and philanthropic initiatives.”

Barnett most recently worked at VHA Inc., as Sr. vice president. VHA Inc., serves more than 1,500 not-for-profit hospitals and more than 90,000 ambulatory and physician practice entities. The organizations provides group purchasing/supply chain services, and assists its member organizations in quality, operational, and cost improvement, and also manages numerous hospital networks. Barnett was responsible for the enterprise on a national level, and also had responsibilities as executive officer of the West Coast region. In his role, Barnett was responsible for overseeing a network of more than 100 hospitals and related entities in six states. Previously, Barnett had served as President and CEO at Mercy Medical Center Redding; President and CEO at Mercy Medical Center Mt. Shasta; and Senior Vice President and COO of Queen of the Valley Hospital in Napa.

Barnett holds a Master’s Degree in Business from California State University at Fullerton and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Pacific Union College. He has held seats on numerous boards ranging from The Hospital Council of Northern California to various non-profit, government and university organizations.

“I am honored by the opportunity to serve Satellite’s remarkable team of employees and the thousands of courageous patients with Chronic Kidney Disease who rely on their care, said Barnett." Throughout my career I have strived to make an impact on both an organizational and personal level, and I can’t imagine a more ideal role in which to continue to do so.”