Kurt A. Barwis has served as president and CEO of Bristol Health since 2006, leading the independent health system in a competitive health care market. During his tenure, Bristol Hospital earned both Magnet and Baldrige regional designations.

Barwis was recently named a 2026 Baldrige Foundation Award recipient for leadership excellence. Before joining Bristol Health, he held several health care leadership roles, including senior vice president and chief operating officer of St. Mary’s Hospital in Maryland and system vice president of managed care and business development at Union Hospital in Maryland.

Earlier in his career, he also served as vice president of finance and chief financial officer of Renaissance Technology Inc., an early-stage medical device company.

Barwis has been active in national and state health care organizations and has served on the Connecticut governor’s Healthcare Cabinet since 2016. He currently serves on the board of trustees of the American Hospital Association.

He said health care organizations continue to face financial pressures from declining reimbursement and affordability issues affecting patient bad debt, while partnership opportunities remain an important area for growth.

What qualities are most essential for effective leadership today?

Selfless, self-aware leaders that engage, listen, communicate effectively/transparently and have a strong competency in strategy and strategy execution.

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What do you value most about living or doing business in Connecticut?

It’s a beautiful state, and schools and education are excellent.