Heart Hospital of Austin names new chief nursing officer
AUSTIN, Texas—Heart Hospital of Austin has named Kim Barker, M.S.H.A, B.S.N, B.S, C.E.N, as its new chief nursing officer. She succeeds Charles McCoy, who recently transitioned to St. David’s Medical Center as chief nursing officer. Barker assumed her new position on July 21.
Barker most recently served as assistant chief nursing officer at St. David’s South Austin Medical Center since 2022. In the role, she oversaw multiple departments, including cardiology, cardiopulmonary, emergency services and the intensive care unit. She also led, designed and implemented a nurse extern program, including curriculum development, competency assessments and structured shadowing experiences.
“With more than two decades of experience, Kim has a deep understanding of cardiovascular excellence and a steadfast commitment to compassionate care,” Brett Matens, chief executive officer of Heart Hospital of Austin, said. “Nurses are the heartbeat of our hospital—delivering care, support and strength—to every patient every day. We are excited to welcome Kim to the Heart Hospital of Austin family, where she will continue to advance the high-quality care our patients have come to expect.”
Prior to her role at St. David’s South Austin Medical Center, Barker served as the emergency service line director at St. David’s North Austin Medical Center for six years, beginning in 2016. Barker began her career with St. David’s HealthCare as a patient care technician at St. David’s South Austin Medical Center in 2006. She took on a variety of roles with increased responsibility over the next decade.
Barker earned a master’s degree in healthcare administration/management from Grand Canyon University, and she is a graduate of the Galen College of Nursing. Barker is also a member of the Emergency Nurses Association.
Heart Hospital of Austin
Heart Hospital of Austin, part of St. David’s HealthCare, is a 72-bed hospital and one of the highest performing cardiovascular facilities in the nation, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease. It features a comprehensive 24-hour emergency department; an advanced Executive Wellness Program; an Advanced Heart Failure Program, including two key therapies—extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and left ventricular assist device (LVAD); six operating rooms (ORs), including three hybrid ORs; three catheterization labs; and electrophysiology services.
Heart Hospital of Austin is a 12-year recipient of Merative’s (now PINC AI) 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals award, has been ranked by Healthgrades as the No. 1 cardiac program in Texas for six consecutive years, and is home to one of the largest non-academic cardiovascular research programs in the world.
Details
July 29, 2025
St. David's Medical Center
Name: Matt Grilli
Phone: 630-800-9533
Email: mgrilli@ecprtexas.com