Intermountain Health has selected experienced healthcare leader, Russ Williams, as the president of Intermountain Health Nevada Children’s Hospital.   

In his new position, Williams will help lead the development and future operations of Nevada’s first standalone children’s hospital.  

Williams brings more than two decades of leadership experience in pediatric and academic healthcare.   

“The Nevada Children’s Hospital represents one of the most important investments we can make in the future of our region. Families across our state deserve access to world-class, comprehensive pediatric care close to home, and this hospital will transform what is possible for generations to come,” said Mitch Cloward, Intermountain’s region president. “Russ brings the proven leadership, vision, and expertise needed to guide this critical work forward.” 

Most recently, Williams served in senior leadership roles at Texas Children’s Hospital in Austin, Texas, where he supported a rapidly growing pediatric platform and strengthened partnerships across clinical, academic, and community teams.   

Williams has also held leadership positions at Seattle Children’s, Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health, and the University of Minnesota Medical Center. Across these roles, Williams led system operations, regional programs, patient experience efforts, and major capital philanthropic projects—including the opening of new children’s hospitals.   

“His deep experience in pediatric healthcare and his commitment to community partnership make him the right leader at the right moment. We are proud to welcome Russ, and we look forward to building a stronger, healthier future for Nevada’s children together," said Cloward. “His experience and steady leadership will play a key role as we build and prepare to open Nevada Children’s Hospital.”  

"Russ understands that this extraordinary opportunity to significantly transform pediatric health across Nevada does not happen without community," said Mandy Richards, DNP, RN, chief nursing executive and president of Children's Health at Intermountain Health. "Russ' commitment to partnering with caregivers, physicians, community leaders, philanthropic supporters, and families will increase the access to pediatric care that is needed today and build a healthy future for our children tomorrow."  

Intermountain Health will build the stand-alone children’s hospital at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Harry Reid Research and Technology Park, in southwest Las Vegas. In 2025, Intermountain announced the architects and contractors for the project and subsequently began design work. 

Intermountain Health is committed to fund two-thirds of the $1 billion+ project needed to complete the comprehensive vision for Nevada Children’s Health, including the standalone children’s hospital. Intermountain has commissioned Intermountain Foundation to seek the remaining funding through philanthropic support.  

“This is more than a philanthropic campaign – this is a historic moment,” said David Flood, president of Intermountain Foundation and chief development officer at Intermountain Health. “We are essentially committing two dollars for every dollar of philanthropic support invested by our community because we believe this hospital deserves nothing less than bold, visionary partnership.” 

“Having recently surpassed $640 million in contributions for Primary Children’s Hospitals in Utah, we credit that campaign’s success to the generous Utah donor community who dreamed big and helped us reimagine what pediatric care could be for our communities,” added Flood. “We’re now working with donors, community leaders, and organizations in Nevada to envision and create transformational change that will outlast all of us.”  

Intermountain Foundation announced Bill and Wendy Hornbuckle last fall to lead the Nevada Campaign for Kids – the most ambitious philanthropic effort ever undertaken to launch comprehensive children’s health services in the state.  

“Building Nevada’s first standalone children’s hospital demands bold leadership – and we have that with Intermountain Health and Russ Williams,” said Bill Hornbuckle, chief executive officer and president of MGM Resorts International and Intermountain Health’s Campaign for Kids chair. “Russ understands that life-changing healthcare requires legacy-defining philanthropy. The partnership between Intermountain Health and our community of donors will define what is possible. I am proud to stand beside them and invite our community’s leaders to join us in building something that will change the trajectory of healthcare in Nevada forever.”    

For more information, visit connect.intermountainhealth.org/childrens-health-nevada.  

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Intermountain Health has named Noah Knisely, a longtime healthcare leader, president of Intermountain Platte Valley Hospital in Brighton, CO.

Knisely has more than 15 years experience in healthcare leadership, including five years as a hospital president and CEO.

“Noah brings with him a wealth of experience and passion for community hospitals,” said Scott Peek, president of Intermountain Health's Front Range market. “He is exceptionally well-prepared to lead Platte Valley Hospital into its next chapter.”

Most recently, Knisely served as regional vice president for Presbyterian Healthcare Services in New Mexico, overseeing five community hospitals. 

His leadership has consistently driven a strong organizational culture, strategic growth, and a steadfast commitment to safe, high-quality patient care. He’s also known for building meaningful engagements with providers, staff, and community stakeholders.

Before his time at Presbyterian, Knisely led hospital operations, strategy, business development, and provider services in Nebraska and Iowa. 

He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and later earned his MBA in Healthcare Administration from Baylor University.

“I'm so grateful and excited to join the wonderful team at Platte Valley Hospital and to be a part of such an amazing organization with Intermountain Health,” said Knisely. “As I start, my focus during the first few months will be on getting to know the team and medical staff at Platte Valley Hospital, further understanding all the strengths we have as an organization and beginning to assess where I can help. My focus will always be on our people and supporting the amazing patient care they provide each and every day.” 

Knisely begins his new role at Platte Valley Hospital on July 21.

Visit Intermountainhealth.org for more information about Platte Valley Hospital and its award-winning care across Adams and Weld counties.

Intermountain Health has named veteran healthcare executive Amy Blasing president of Intermountain Saint Joseph Hospital in Denver.   

Blasing has more than 30 years of experience and began her career as a nurse. She is deeply committed to providing quality experiences both for patients and for those who care for them, and she brings a compassionate, people-centered approach to leadership.  

Most recently, Blasing was the chief executive officer of Lovelace Westside Hospital and Lovelace Women’s Hospital of Ardent Health/Lovelace Health System in Albuquerque, New Mexico. 

During that time, Blasing’s accomplishments included developing strong relationships within the healthcare community and recruiting provider groups, driving significant improvement in patient experience scores by implementing a culture of trust, transparency and safety, and exceeding financial performance targets.

Additionally, Blasing holds a Master of Science in nursing administration and is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.  

“Amy shared that she was drawn to this position because of the impeccable reputation Saint Joseph Hospital has for delivering high-quality, compassionate care,” said Scott Peek, president of Intermountain Health’s Front Range market. “She is very excited to join an organization with such a long history of caring for the community and plans to spend her first 100 days getting to know caregivers and providers and developing relationships in the community.” 

Outside of work, Blasing enjoys traveling, the outdoors, crafting, and trips to theme parks. She and her husband are proud parents of three grown children and share their home with three golden retrievers, Dug, Kevin, and Russell, all named after characters from Disney’s “Up”.  

“We are excited that Amy is joining Saint Joseph Hospital and feels a strong connection to our mission and the collective calling established for us by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth to serve the Denver community. She is well positioned to lead this organization that has proven to be an essential part of the state’s fabric for more than 150 years, through the next chapter of its very bright future,” Peek said. 

Blasing begins her new role on July 28. 

LAS VEGAS – Intermountain Health ha seleccionado a Lawrence Barnard, líder durante mucho tiempo en el campo de atención médica, como nuevo presidente del próximo y primer hospital infantil independiente en Nevada.

La selección de Barnard es el resultado de una búsqueda nacional extensa. Barnard empezará su nueva función de inmediato, cambiando de su posición actual como vicepresidente adjunto de Intermountain Children´s Health en Nevada.

“La experiencia tan extensa de Larry cómo líder en el campo de atención médica y sus conexiones profundas con Nevada y Las Vegas, hacen que él sea el primer presidente ideal de Health Nevada Children´s Hospital, el cual se espera que empezará a servir a pacientes y familias en 2030”, dijo Katy Welkie, vicepresidenta de Intermountain Children´s Health. “Esperamos entusiasmados ver los beneficios transformadores que él continuará inspirando en las comunidades que servimos”.

Barnard guiará al hospital durante la construcción y supervisará la gestión después de la gran inauguración. Como parte de ese proceso, desarrollará estrategias a largo plazo, dirigirá el proceso de contratación, dotación de personal y capacitación, ayudará en las gestiones diarias, asegurará la administración financiera y supervisará la colaboración con la comunidad.

Barnard, quien es el antiguo director ejecutivo de University Medical Center en el sur de Nevada, ha priorizado la creación de un hospital infantil completo en el área para servir a los niños y a las familias del estado.

“Por demasiado tiempo, hemos visto como algunas familias han tenido más dificultades de las que debieran al recibir un diagnóstico o una lesión traumática, por las que han tenido que salir del estado para cuidar de su ser querido”, dijo Barnard. “Mi misión personal se ha convertido en asegurarme que ahora puedan recibir la mejor calidad de atención aquí, cerca de su hogar”.

El pasado octubre, Intermountain Health anunció sus planes de construir un hospital infantil en el sur de Nevada. La ceremonia de primera piedra está programada para finales de año.

Barnard se unió a Intermountain en 2021 para dirigir los esfuerzos de expansión de los servicios de y atención médica pediátrica en el estado, en colaboración con líderes y personal médico de la región y del sistema Intermountain Health, así como para poner énfasis en resultados clínicos positivos, calidad, experiencias de pacientes y un mejor acceso para los niños y las familias.

“El compromiso de Larry en mejorar la atención infantil en Nevada es inquebrantable y su visión será clave a medida que continuemos construyendo el sistema de salud modelo de la nación para niños en el estado”, dijo Mitch Cloward, presidente de Intermountain Health´s Desert Region. “Él será clave en inspirar a nuestras familias y nuestras comunidades”.

La trayectoria de liderazgo en el campo de atención médica de Barnard en Las Vegas incluye su servicio como presidente de mercado de Nevada para Dignity Health (CommonSpirit Health).

Barnard es un veterano del ejército de Estados Unidos y se recibió de U.S Military Academy en West Point, New York. Como capitán de U.S Army de 2001 a 2006, Barnard sirvió como oficial general adjunto en aviación.

Para conocer más acerca del próximo Intermountain Nevada Children´s Hospital e Intermountain Health, vaya a intermountainhealth.org.

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LAS VEGAS – Intermountain Health has selected longtime healthcare leader Lawrence Barnard as the new president of the upcoming first stand-alone children’s hospital in Nevada.

The selection of Barnard follows an extensive search. Barnard begins his new role immediately, moving from his current position as associate vice president of Intermountain Children’s Health in Nevada.

"Larry’s extensive experience in healthcare leadership and deep connections to Nevada and Las Vegas make him the ideal first president of the Intermountain Health Nevada Children’s Hospital, which is expected to start serving patients and families in 2030,” said Katy Welkie, vice president of Intermountain Children’s Health. “We look forward to the transformative benefits he’ll continue to inspire in the communities we serve.”

Barnard will guide the hospital through construction and oversee operations after its grand opening. As part of that process, he’ll develop long-term strategies, lead hiring, staffing and training, support day-to-day operations, ensure financial stewardship, and oversee community engagement.

Barnard, who is the former chief executive officer of University Medical Center in Southern Nevada, has made it a priority to bring a comprehensive children’s hospital to the area to better serve children and families in the state.  

“For too long, we have seen families struggle more than they needed to when they get a diagnosis or traumatic injury, where they had to leave the state to care for their loved one,” Barnard said. “It has become my personal mission to make sure that they will now get the best quality care here, near their home.”

Last October, Intermountain Health announced its plans to build a children’s hospital in Southern Nevada. A groundbreaking is planned for later this year.

Barnard joined Intermountain in 2021 to lead efforts to expand pediatric care services in the state by collaborating with leaders and caregiver teams across the region and the Intermountain Health system, as well as focusing on positive clinical outcomes, quality, patient experiences, and improved access for children and families.

“Larry’s commitment to improving pediatric care in Nevada is unwavering, and his vision will be pivotal as we continue to build the nation’s model health system for children in the state,” said Mitch Cloward, president of Intermountain Health’s Desert Region. “He will be instrumental in lifting up our families and our communities.”

Barnard’s journey in healthcare leadership in Las Vegas includes service as market president for Nevada for Dignity Health (CommonSpirit Health).

Barnard is U.S. Military veteran and graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York. As a captain in the U.S. Army from 2001 to 2006, Barnard served as an aviation officer/adjutant general officer.

To learn more about the upcoming Intermountain Nevada Children’s Hospital and Intermountain Health go to intermountainhealth.org.  

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Intermountain Health has named Kevin Jenkins as the new president of Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Lafayette, CO. 

Jenkins will join the Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital team on March 3. 

Most recently, Jenkins served as the market chief executive officer of Holy Cross Hospitals with CommonSpirit in Utah. Prior to that he was the chief executive officer of St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood. Additionally, Jenkins has held chief executive officer, chief operating officer, and administrative roles at St. Anthony North Campus in Westminster.  

“My career has been dedicated to focusing on strategic growth and expansion, emphasizing caregiver and provider engagement and retention,” Jenkins said. “I can’t wait to be a part of the amazing Good Samaritan team.” 

Scott Peek, Front Range market president of Intermountain Health, said Jenkins is well-prepared to lead the team at Good Samaritan Hospital. 

“Kevin is a dynamic leader passionate about fostering a culture that empowers caregivers to perform at their best, creating an environment of trust, collaboration, and partnership,” Peek said. 

Jenkins earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Brigham Young University and Master of Healthcare Administration from the University of Washington. He is an active member of the American College of Healthcare Executives.  

Outside of work, Jenkins enjoys spending time with his wife and five children, who range in age from 6 to 15. He loves coaching competitive sports, spending time on just about any lake, exploring the outdoors of Colorado, and volunteering in the community. 

Jenkins replaces former Good Samaritan Hospital President Dawn Anuszkiewicz who departed in February to take the role of president of MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital and market leader in Puyallup, Wash. 

Jamison Robinett has been selected as the new president of Intermountain Cedar City Hospital. He will succeed current Cedar City Hospital president Eric Packer, who retires this December after serving for the past eight years.

“Eric will be greatly missed. He is a phenomenal leader who will leave a legacy of excellence for Cedar City Hospital. It has been a pleasure to get to work with him,” said Natalie Ashby, president of the Southwest Utah Acute Care Market of Intermountain’s Desert Region and St. George Regional Hospital. 

Packer culminates a successful career of 38 years in the healthcare community, including 35 years with Intermountain Health, with leading Cedar City Hospital to receive national recognition for their high-quality patient care. Under Packer’s leadership, Cedar City Hospital has seen growth with projects like a new imaging center and a diabetes clinic, as well as numerous healthcare awards. In 2024, Cedar City Hospital ranked number four in the nation for community hospitals by Vizient and was named as a Top 20 Rural Community Hospital nine years in a row, something no hospital has ever achieved. This year, Cedar City hospital was ranked second best in the nation for small community hospitals by Fortune/PINC AI.

His exemplary leadership over the course of his career was recently recognized by the Utah Hospital Association when he was awarded the 2024 Distinguished Healthcare Executive. His commitment to providing quality care in the Southwest Utah region has guided caregivers to build a successful environment of patient-focused care. His impact on the growth and quality of healthcare services in the southern Utah community will be felt for years to come. Packer officially retires December 3rd. During the month of November, he will work to transition responsibilities to Robinett. 

Robinett, who most recently served as Chief Operating Officer at HCA Florida Palms West Hospital in Palm Beach County, Florida, is excited to return to Southwest Utah. He began his healthcare career in Intermountain at the Southern Utah Neurosciences Institute in St George, Utah, where he also met his wife, Shelbie. They are excited to put down roots in Cedar City. Robinett says his biggest passions are caring for the people he serves by fostering caregiver engagement and quality excellence.

Robinett joins Cedar City Hospital from HCA Healthcare where he has held progressive executive leadership positions within the organization over the past five years. While there, he led hospital operations as well as several strategic growth, colleague engagement, and quality improvement functions. During his tenure at Palms West Hospital, Robinett was instrumental in managing over $100 million in capital projects, highlighted by a new patient tower, operating room expansion, ER expansion, and other imaging/procedural projects. 

Under Robinett’s leadership, Palms West saw significant growth in cardiology, surgical, and diagnostic services, and successfully added new programs such as a weight management center and cardiac MRI. Additionally, the hospital proudly increased colleague engagement scores, elevated its CMS star rating, and made major improvements to campus safety and security.

Robinett began his career in health administration at St. Mark's Hospital in Salt Lake City, where he started as an executive resident and was later promoted to associate administrator. He holds a Master of Health Administration degree from the University of Iowa and Bachelor of Health Administration degree from Weber State University.

Robinett considers his greatest accomplishment as being the husband to his beautiful wife, Shelbie, and father to his two daughters. In his spare time, Robinett enjoys being with his family in the mountains, fly-fishing, and hunting. He says he looks forward to serving such an amazing hospital and community.

Intermountain Cedar City Hospital proudly serves the communities in Iron County. The 48-bed hospital is a full-service community hospital that ranks as one of the top community hospitals in the country and is a fully accredited Level IV Trauma Center with more than 450 caregivers. In addition to traditional services, Cedar City Hospital offers a state-of-the-art cancer center, a robust surgical service program and various clinics.  

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Intermountain Health St. Vincent Regional Hospital has named Dustin Strandell its new chief operating officer (COO). 

“Dustin has been a vital part of our organization for over 15 years, and we are excited to see him take on this new leadership role,” said Lee Boyles, president of St. Vincent Regional Hospital and the Montana/Wyoming market. 

Strandell joined St. Vincent as the manager of radiology services in 2008 and most recently served as senior director of service lines. He spearheaded program development across multiple service lines, leading to streamlined processes, improved efficiency, and enhanced patient care. He has fostered a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. 

To date, Strandell has been instrumental in the planning and make-ready work for the new St. Vincent hospital and will continue that oversight in his new role as COO. Additionally, he will be responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations, driving operational excellence, and ensuring that caregivers continue to deliver high-quality care to our patients.