Barker named deputy secretary of health for Chickasaw Nation

ADA – Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby has selected a lifelong medical expert to serve as Deputy Secretary for the Department of Health.

Richard Barker began duties with the Chickasaw Nation after serving hospitals and health care facilities in Texas and Oklahoma as a chief executive officer and executive of health services.

"Richard Barker is committed to helping the department of health maintain its record of offering excellent health care to Chickasaws and other Native Americans," said Gov. Anoatubby. "We believe his wide range of education and experience makes him an asset to our health care team."

His duties include day-to-day operation of the Chickasaw Nation Medical Center and tribal health systems in addition to supporting Secretary of Health Dr. Judy Goforth Parker. Barker is exploring and studying health care initiatives for the Nation and familiarizing himself with compacts, Indian Health Services (IHS) Contracted Health Programs, IHS and other programs and initiatives that serve to improve the quality of life for everyone seeking care through the Chickasaw Nation health system.

"We are looking into all aspects of health care. By examining hospitals, quality health initiatives and best practices, we are able to look at facilities that are operationally lean but do not sacrifice quality," Barker said. "The Nation is uniquely positioned to evaluate health service programs nationally, while assessing explosive growth and preparing for the future."

Barker worked with Mercy hospitals beginning in 1990 as administrator of Mercy Hospital Love County in Marietta, Oklahoma.

While his career with the Chickasaw Nation is in its infancy, his association with the tribe goes back approximately 15 years.

"At Mercy Hospital Love County, we worked closely with the tribe on many Field Emergency Medical Services (EMS) programs, particularly with WinStar (World Casino)," Barker said.

The hospital also provided an EMS-based Fire Brigade service near the casino manned by the hospital's EMS personnel.

The Chickasaw Nation Medical Center has served more than 1 million patients since opening in 2010.

Barker received a bachelor's in health services administration and a master's in business administration from Ottawa University, Ottawa, Kansas. He also holds a credential of advanced studies in health services administration from the University of Minnesota. Additionally, he is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Barker is licensed by Oklahoma as a long-term care administrator and he is trained in cardiopulmonary services. He is a registered respiratory therapist and a licensed respiratory care practitioner. He performed clinical training at Parkland Hospital and Methodist, both located in Dallas.

He is a Vietnam War veteran and served two years in the Army Medical Corps in Fort Hood, Texas, as an Army Medic after a tour of duty in Vietnam as a Marine.

Barker's wife, Connie, serves on the Chickasaw Nation Legislature and is chairman of the 13-member legislative arm of the tribe. Mrs. Barker represents Seat 2 in Pickens District. She recently was re-elected to a third term.

The couple have four children, Brandon Mathews, Montana Berry, Nikki Barker and Alise Barker. All are adults and three are involved in the medical profession or studying for careers in the medical field.