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John Barnas serves as the Executive Director of the Michigan Center for Rural Health (MCRH), a non-profit organization affiliated with Michigan State University. He has held this role since February of 2000. He also serves on the National Rural Health Association Government Affairs Committee and Medicaid Task Force.

In his current role as Executive Director of MCRH, John is responsible for the coordination of the State Office of Rural Health Program, the Flex and SHIP programs, policy, recruitment and retention services, distance education and other rural primary care and value-based programs.

“On a national level, I think with the guidance and support of NRHA, AHA, and NOSORH, we have a real good shot at continuing to be a part of the reform initiatives, improving our healthcare, succeeding in reducing costs and improving the quality of outcomes.”

Prior to working at MCRH, John was Director of Program Development at a Federally Qualified Health Center in Battle Creek, Michigan. He is also a past-president of the Technical Assistance Service Center (TASC) Advisory Council and National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH), and is currently a NOSORH board member.