Vista CEO Earns National Recognition

Barbara J. Martin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Vista Health System, has been named by Becker's Hospital Review to its annual list, “130 Women Hospital and Health System Leaders to Know.” Becker’s is a nationally known news source within the healthcare industry with its monthly publication and active online presence.

Becker’s cited those on the new list for demonstrating outstanding leadership within the hospital and healthcare industry. Each executive was chosen based on a wide range of management and leadership skills, including oversight of hospital or health system operations, financial turnarounds and quality improvement initiatives.

“I am very honored by this recognition and thank the editorial staff at Becker’s for including me in this group of women leaders in healthcare,” Martin said. “Our goal at Vista has been to continually expand and improve our services while providing high quality care for our patients. I am proud to work with physicians, nurses, administrators and staff who are all committed to making Vista better.”

Martin began her career began as a registered nurse before steadily rising through a series of leadership roles at a number of hospitals, primarily in the Chicago area. In 2003, she joined Vista Health Services – the predecessor to Vista Health System – to serve as Chief Operating Officer for two years before being promoted to President and Chief Executive Officer. She played a critical role in leading the acquisition of Vista Health Services by Community Health System, at which time she was named as President and Chief Executive Officer for the new Vista Health System.

Martin holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and an MBA, both from Lewis University. She is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and is serving her second term on the Illinois Hospital Association Board of Directors. Martin is a member of the Board of Trustees for Lewis University and has held numerous board positions for leading healthcare, business and community organizations. She has been recognized with many achievement awards and has testified before U.S. Congressional Hearings in Washington, D.C.