Kurt A. Barwis has served as president and CEO of Bristol Health since 2006, leading the independent health system through a period of significant change in Connecticut’s healthcare industry.
Over the past year, Barwis oversaw Bristol Health’s efforts to join the UConn Health Community System, signing a letter of intent that could eventually make Bristol Health part of UConn Health’s expanding hospital network. The proposed affiliation comes as many independent hospitals face financial and operational challenges amid a rapidly changing healthcare landscape.
Barwis was also named a 2026 Baldrige Foundation Award recipient for leadership excellence. He has held numerous healthcare leadership roles throughout his career and currently serves on the board of trustees of the American Hospital Association. He has also been a member of Connecticut’s Healthcare Cabinet since 2016.
Looking ahead, Barwis said healthcare providers continue to face pressures from declining reimbursement rates, rising costs and affordability challenges affecting patients, while partnerships and affiliations are becoming increasingly important for independent hospitals.
What is one change that would make Connecticut more competitive economically?
Affordability is the key issue for both early careerists and retirees.
