John E. Barnas B.S.

John Barnas is the executive director of the Michigan Center for Rural Health (MCRH), a nonprofit affiliate of Michigan State University.

Mr. Barnas 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. He has been the executive director since February 2000.

Prior to arriving at the MCRH, Mr. Barnas was employed at the federally qualified health center in Battle Creek, Michigan, as the director of program development.

He currently serves on the National Rural Health Association Government Affairs Committee and the Small & Rural Hospital Council of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association. He is president of the Technical Assistance Service Center Advisory Council of the Minnesota Rural Research Center and past president of the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH); he is a current NOSORH board member.

Mr. Barnas received his bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University and after graduation was employed in various social service jobs. He returned to CMU and received his elementary education teaching certificate before teaching for a short time.