AdventHealth Minneola CEO reveals the driving force behind her success

For Kay Barnett -- the newly appointed chief executive officer for AdventHealth Minneola -- leadership goes beyond a job title. It’s about presence, perseverance and empowering others along the way.

Her journey is one of growth and resilience -- a path shaped by mentorship.

When the four-story, 80-bed hospital opens in January, it will mark a new chapter in Barnett’s career, one she never imagined when she first stepped into the health-care world.

"Growing up with a stay-at-home mother, I never really expected or envisioned myself to be a woman who had a demanding career," she said. "But over time, I became really inspired by seeing people in health care make a difference."

That inspiration caused her to consider the impact that she might have on the lives of others.

Shortly after graduating from Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska, Barnett went to work in internal communications at AdventHealth.

From writing team member communications to helping plan town hall meetings at AdventHealth Altamonte Springs, she found herself drawn to the organization’s mission and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Barnett quickly advanced into business development, strategy and executive leadership roles that positioned her to take on her most significant challenge yet -- opening AdventHealth Minneola.

But she didn’t walk this path alone. Barnett credits the mentorship she received throughout her career as a defining force in her success.

"My mentors have been invaluable," she said. "Getting to hear their journeys and how they've navigated different dynamics has been so impactful. They've pushed me to think deeply about how I can grow, how I can act differently and better, and not allowed me to take the easy way out."

She said that there are two mentors that stand out to her: AdventHealth Celebration CEO Amanda Maggard -- her first leader at AdventHealth and a continuing source of inspiration -- and longtime AdventHealth executive Terry Owen, who has invested time in helping her develop as a leader.

"Both have inspired me and have become great friends," Barnett said. "Both are not afraid to have tough conversations and provide the feedback you need exactly when you need it. Honesty and guidance are qualities I truly appreciate."

As she prepares to open a hospital from the ground up, Barnett said that she is focused on not just operational excellence but also fostering a culture that will define AdventHealth Minneola for years to come.

"I want people who come to AdventHealth Minneola 20 years from now to really think, 'Wow, look at the team and the culture that has been built here,' and how this is a team that knows what it's like to extend empathetic care and make this community feel whole," she said.

Barnett’s story exemplifies the value of embracing mentorship and how it can serve as a guiding light in one's career.

"To every woman who has a desire to grow into leadership positions, you have more power than you can even imagine," she said. "Focus on where you are today and doing your absolute best. That's going to be what carries you forward into greater opportunities to extend those talents into new and different places."