Hospital Leadership

Cathy Barr, MBA, RN
CEO

As CEO, Cathy Barr is responsible for the wide array of integrated programs offered at Bethesda. With a background in nursing, she knows the difference compassionate care can make to a patient's recovery.

Barr, who was named CEO in early 2008, is committed to continuing the "legacy of excellence" that was forged by former CEO, Frank Indihar. Under her leadership, Bethesda will continue to focus on patient satisfaction, quality patient outcomes and employee engagement.

Among her top priorities, Barr is working on legislative reform to help long-term acute care hospitals (LTACHs) establish new facility and medical requirements. She has also opened discussions on how a facility such as Bethesda can help veterans returning from Iraq suffering from traumatic brain injuries when military and VA hospitals are full.

Before becoming CEO, Barr held executive positions at HealthEast as Vice President for Community Based Services and Home Care Senior Director. In those positions she provided guidance in creating programs that help patients manage chronic diseases. She also worked extensively to help local health care professional organizations develop legislative priorities that positively impact patient quality outcomes.

Barr holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of St. Thomas as well as a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Niagara University in New York.

Ross Huttunen, MBA
Operations Executive

Ross Huttunen has more than 15 years of health care operations and consulting experience. Huttunen's responsibilities at Bethesda include leadership to a variety of departments including: pharmacy, radiology, admissions/community partnerships and outpatient services.

In addition to his operation responsibilities, Huttunen also identifies new opportunities that help position Bethesda as the benchmark for quality. Huttunen serves as the Foundation Advocate and works to build upon our legacy of philanthropy. He is also active in many professional and community organizations, including the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Huttunen's credentials include a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology, a master's degree in occupational health, a master's degree in health care administration and a Master of Business Administration from the University of St. Thomas.

Diana Johnson, MA, RN, CNAA-BC
Patient Care Executive

Diana Johnson, MA, RN, CNAA-BC, joined Bethesda Hospital in 1997 as Patient Care Executive and is responsible for the interdisciplinary patient care team. She has led the development and implementation of a successful Integrated Model of Care which focuses on clinical excellence, patient-centered compassionate caring, and interdependent teaming.

Johnson has an extensive leadership background.  She has held executive positions in public health, home care and at a Level One tertiary-care hospital including responsibilities for Level One trauma and burn programs.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Arts degree in Nursing from the College of St. Scholastica. Certifications include Nursing Administration Advanced and Infection Control. She is a member of International Nursing Honor Society - Sigma Theta Tau, The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, The American Association of Nurse Executives and The Minnesota Organization of Leaders in Nursing.