William Newton Hospital’s Board of Trustees named Brian Barta as the hospital’s new chief executive officer.
His appointment as CEO is effective immediately, according to a news release from WNH Wednesday.
“Brian’s unique experience with Critical Access Hospitals as well as his knowledge of WNH make him the right candidate to move the hospital forward,” stated William Newton Hospital Board Chair Joan Cales. “We welcome Brian to the position.”
Out of 51 applicants for the CEO position nationwide, the trustees selected six to interview. The top two candidates were selected for forum-style interviews held last week with William Newton Hospital staff.
Barta joined William Newton Hospital as chief financial officer in August 2018 and has been serving in the interim CEO role since June following the resignation of former CEO Ben Quinton at the end of September.
Before Quinton’s resignation, he was placed on administrative leave by the board at the end of July, and again in August. No details on the reason for Quinton’s placement on administrative leave was ever released by the hospital board.
“In his role as CFO, Barta brought with him a wealth of knowledge about Critical Access Hospitals and experience as a public accountant,” the hospital said in its news release Wednesday. “Not only was he the controller at another Kansas Critical Access Hospital, but he was a financial auditor for William Newton Hospital during his tenure at Wendling, Noe, Nelson & Johnson from 2010 to 2016.
Barta said he looks forward to the job.
“I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving William Newton Hospital in my new role as Chief Executive Officer,” Barta said. “It is our mission to continue the work of our skilled and dedicated healthcare team to provide exceptional patient care to everyone in our community.”
Barta says stabilizing hospital finances and building teamwork across the William Newton Hospital network of facilities and clinics are among his first priorities.
“Focusing on financial stability and investing in our staff will help build upon the legacy of William Newton Hospital over the past 95 years,” he said.
Barta is a Kansas native, hailing from La Crosse, and a Pittsburg State University graduate. He earned his CPA license in 2011. Barta currently resides in Winfield with his wife Ellie and their three boys.
For more information about William Newton Hospital, visit www.wnhcares.org.
