Michael Barnes Assumes Position as North Valley Hospital’s Chief Information Officer
Choosing to come to North Valley Hospital as the new Chief Information Officer was an easy move for Michael Barnes.
“All you have to do is walk through the doors to understand that this isn’t your everyday hospital,” he said. “The warmth, energy and passion to be the center of healing for the communities we serve are evident in the smiles and customer service focus of all the staff. The drive to provide the best services and technology is an exciting thing to be a part of.”
Using his wealth of knowledge and experience, Barnes will implement technological means that further benefit the patients. He also will go behind the scenes to enhance the streamlining of the day-to-day activities so staff can have even more time to focus on partnering with patients to ensure the highest level of care is targeted for the individual’s needs.
“That’s what sets this organization apart from other hospitals,” Barnes said. “And, that’s what’s so exciting about this position.”
A graduate of Flathead High School, Barnes served in the US Air Force for two years before attending MSU Bozeman through the Airmen Education and Commissioning Program and graduating with a BS in Computer Science. Only 35 servicemen annually are selected for the Airmen Education and Commissioning Program. After graduation, Barnes continued his service to the Air Force in many technological capacities while stationed in Washington DC and then later at the Hill Air Force Base in Utah. His first job was as manager of the team that produces new budget software that is used by the Air Force to present their budget to the US president.
During his time in DC, he volunteered with a team of “techies” who built computers and networks for inner-city children and schools from donated parts, computers and software. In three years, they helped five schools outfit every classroom with the extras going home with students who wouldn’t otherwise have a computer. Also while in DC, he volunteered monthly to serve food at a homeless/re-integration shelter and organized a four-member Army Ten Miler running team for three years.
Barnes brought his big heart to big cities and then back to the Flathead Valley again. After spending nine years with the Air Force, Barnes went back to school to receive his MBA from Portland State University in Oregon. While going to school, he was the Manager, IT and Senior Systems Architect at Gas Transmission Northwest in Portland, OR. In 2005, he moved back to the Valley with his wife, Cindy, and two children, Katie and Marissa, when he accepted a position at Plum Creek as a Senior Manager of IT Services.
Barnes continues to serve his community as a volunteer on Deer Park School’s strategic planning committee, chaperoning students during outings and cooking burgers for the entire school during their end of year picnic. He also travels to U of M two to three times a year to critique resumes and mock interviews for business and information systems students. |