Cathy Barr, MBA, RN - CEO

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

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.

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 at Bethesda, 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 is a member of the Community Health Charities Board, the American Hospital Association Governing Council (focused on post-acute care issues) and immediate past president of the Women's Health Leadership Trust which is dedicated toward the advancement of women leaders in health care through educational programming, networking and professional development.

Rahul Koranne, MD, MBA, FACP - Medical Director, Bethesda Hospital

Dr. Rahul Koranne is Medical Director of Bethesda Hospital and oversees and provides strategic direction to all inpatient and outpatient programs. He is board-certified in internal medicine and geriatrics and was elected as a Fellow of the American College of Physicians in April 2006.

Dr. Koranne attended medical school at the University of Delhi in India, where he graduated at the top of the University. He completed his internal medicine residency at the State University of New York in Brooklyn and his fellowship in geriatrics at the University of Minnesota.

Dr. Koranne earned a master of business administration (MBA) degree at the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. He was designated a Carlson Scholar in addition to being the recipient of the Outstanding Academic Achievement Award for ranking highest scholastically in the program.

He is a member of the American College of Physicians, American Geriatrics Society, American Medical Association, Minnesota Medical Association and American College of Physician Executives.

Lia Christiansen, MBC – Operations Executive

Lia Christiansen has a strong background in operations management, marketing management, process improvement, strategic planning, action planning, business communications and business development. 

She has administrative responsibility for a number of Bethesda Hospital's clinical, ancillary and support departments including Pharmacy, Psychology, Radiology, Laboratory, Physical Medicine, Engineering, Safety and Security, Nutritional Services, Housekeeping, Outpatient Services, Wound Care Services, Spiritual Care, Guest Services and Admissions.

Christiansen earned her bachelor of arts degree from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, and holds a master's degree in business from the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul. She has been at Bethesda since 1996.

Christiansen has served on boards in arts organizations, Concordia College and the St. Paul Chamber's Leadership St. Paul program. She has been named one of 25 Women to Watch by Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal and has also been recognized by Minnesota Physician magazine as an exceptional administrator for her leadership capabilities and commitment to improving how health care is delivered.

Linda Barnhart, RN, MAL, BAN – Patient Care Executive

Linda Barnhart is Patient Care Executive for Bethesda Hospital. She believes in lifelong learning as evidenced by her journey from licensed practical nurse to registered nurse to assistant nurse manager to nurse manager and finally, to senior department director.

Barnhart brings over 30 years of experience (both by the bedside and administrative leadership) to this position. Her background includes program planning and implementation for patients presenting medical needs ranging from neurology, oncology and orthopedics to surgery, dialysis and acute rehabilitation.

Barnhart is Kaizen (Lean) Leader certified, using that training to improve patient care and safety and to advance quality outcomes and was previously named a Nurse of Excellence.

She earned her associate in nursing degree from North Hennepin Community College, her baccalaureate in nursing degree from Metropolitan State University and a master of arts in leadership from Augsburg College, Minneapolis, MN. She also is a member of the American Organization of Nurse Executives; the Oncology Nursing Society; the Minnesota Organization of Leaders in Nursing; and The Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International.

Core to Barnhart's commitment to serving our patients' needs are that when we - patients, families and all within the Bethesda community - work together with the patient at the center of our team, we can achieve the best outcomes and experience for our patients.

Robin Harris, MA, EJD – Director of Human Resources

Robin Harris is Director of Human Resources for both Bethesda Hospital and HealthEast Home Care. Her professional experience reflects 31 years in customer service, labor relations, administration/human resources and people management.

Harris holds a bachelor's degree in business administration, a master's degree in organizational leadership and will complete her executive juris doctorate (EJD) in 2012. In addition, she is certified as a paralegal and as a mediator/arbitrator. Currently, is active in the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) and the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM).

Prior to joining Bethesda and HealthEast Home Care, Harris worked for 25 years in the airline industry and six years in the local government sector.

Harris is committed to using her leadership style of building relationships and working through issues proactively as a means to maintaining an engaged workplace for the benefit of employees and patients alike.