MINNEOLA, Fla. – Kay Barnett has been named CEO of AdventHealth’s planned hospital in Minneola, Florida, a four-story, 80-bed facility that will bring inpatient care to the growing south Lake County community beginning in late 2025. Barnett will report to Kari Vargas, CEO of AdventHealth Winter Garden and the Northwest Market of AdventHealth’s Central Florida Division.
“AdventHealth is focused on bringing care closer to home for the people we serve,” Vargas said. “The new Minneola hospital will meet the significant health care needs of the area and bring new jobs into the community under the leadership of an experienced, strategic leader.”
Barnett currently serves as vice president of strategy and emerging operations for the Northwest Market of AdventHealth’s Central Florida Division. In this role, she leads all strategy and growth functions for the market, which includes AdventHealth Winter Garden, AdventHealth Apopka, AdventHealth Altamonte Springs and the upcoming AdventHealth Minneola, in addition to four freestanding ERs. Her previous experience includes serving in divisionwide roles as vice president of strategic planning and executive director of network development, as well as progressive business development roles at AdventHealth Altamonte Springs.
“It’s been a pleasure serving our Northwest Market this past year and building strong relationships with local community and physician leaders,” Barnett said. “As I step into this next role, I’m committed to deepening these relationships, and building an effective, compassionate care team to deliver high-quality whole-person care to Minneola and south Lake County residents.”
Barnett earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in marketing and a minor in communications from Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska. She is a 2022 graduate of the AdventHealth Executive Leadership Program and is an active member and volunteer of the WholeLife Seventh-day Adventist Church.
12 items. To interact with these items, press Control-Option-Shift-Right Arrow. These items are in a slider. To advance slider forward, press Shift-Command-Right Arrow. To advance slider backward, press Shift-Command-Left Arrow.
News
Orthopedic surgeon returns to AdventHealth
Dr. Jeffrey Keen, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in adult reconstruction, orthopedic surgery, robotic-assisted surgery, and sports medicine, has returned to AdventHealth Medical...
News
Hundreds of transplant patients and their families reunite with AdventHealth Transplant Institute caregivers
In recognition of National Donate Life Month, nearly 300 transplant patients and their families enjoyed AdventHealth’s 2025 transplant reunion.
News
Ashley and Jimmy celebrate life together after kidney donation
According to the National Kidney Foundation, more than 101,000 people are currently on the organ transplant list in need of a new kidney. However, only about 17,000 transplants happen each year —...
News
David Banks named president/CEO for AdventHealth
The AdventHealth Board of Directors has appointed David Banks as the organization’s new president/CEO, effective immediately.
News
Little girl’s organ donation could potentially save thousands, inspire even more
In life, Sophie Davis touched dozens of hearts. In passing, one of her organs could possibly save thousands of lives.
News
Spring into action: Tips to prevent back pain while enjoying your favorite springtime activities
As the days get longer and the weather warms up, people are eager to get back to their favorite outdoor spring activities and sports. This transition from winter to spring often leads to an increased...
News
Kristi Baker named senior executive officer of AdventHealth for Children
AdventHealth for Children is a nationally recognized children’s hospital and comprehensive care network caring for nearly 200,000 children annually.
Media Coverage
AdventHealth Ocala set to welcome family medicine residents
Eight new physicians are joining AdventHealth Ocala’s team to take their next steps to become fully licensed, board-certified family physicians.
News
Celebrating Excellence: Meghan Bussard, AdventHealth Shawnee Mission Outstanding Team Member
Care Management Assistant, Meghan Bussard, was the recipient of the 2024 Outstanding Team Member Award for AdventHealth Shawnee Mission. Bussard is known across AdventHealth Shawnee Mission as a...
News
Celebrating Women’s History Month: The Rise of Female OB/GYNs
Every March, we celebrate Women’s History Month and the countless contributions women have made across all parts of society, including health care. One such area where women have made remarkable...
News
Chief Operating Officer joins AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach
Joshua Champion has been named Chief Operating Officer (COO) at AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach. He officially steps into his new role on April 7.
Media Coverage
Everyday Hero ensures no one dies alone at AdventHealth Parker
For Katherine Wiley, holding a stranger’s hand in their final moments is not just an act of kindness, it’s a calling. As a volunteer at AdventHealth Parker, Wiley ensures that no patient spends their...