Michael D. Barber has been appointed chief executive officer of Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health (LG Health), following his service as interim CEO last year. Barber previously served as chief operating officer at LG Health in 2023, after nearly three decades in senior leadership at Penn Medicine’s Chester County Hospital.
Michele Volpe, chief operating officer of the University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS), commented on Barber’s appointment: “Throughout Michael's long career at Penn Medicine, he has distinguished himself as a skillful consensus-builder who drives operational excellence and successful execution of important organizational change. In an era of transformative change for health care, he brings both the strategic vision and operational expertise to ensure that LG Health continues to lead and care for the Lancaster County community long into the future.”
In his new role, Barber will oversee all LG Health facilities. This includes Lancaster General Hospital, Women & Babies Hospital, outpatient pavilions downtown and in suburban areas, additional outpatient and urgent care services, and a network of more than 500 primary and specialty care physicians working across over 40 offices in Lancaster, Lebanon, and Chester counties. LG Health has expanded its advanced care offerings through integration with other Penn Medicine sites; patients now have access to treatments such as proton therapy and CAR T cell therapy for cancer at the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute.
UPHS CEO Kevin B. Mahoney also praised Barber’s leadership qualities: “Among Michael's greatest leadership strengths is his ability to bring people together around a common purpose and shared goals. He is well-respected for his steady, thoughtful leadership and approachable nature. As a receptive listener, and through his engagement with community and business leaders, he is strengthening partnerships to continue LG Health’s longtime commitment to improve the health and well-being of people in Lancaster County and beyond.”
Barber’s tenure at Chester County Hospital included overseeing its largest expansion—a $290 million patient tower with nearly 100 new private rooms—and expanding surgical and cardiovascular services. He was also involved in developing CCH's Lasko Tower to enhance cardiology, maternity, and orthopedic services.
He began his career at Penn Medicine as Senior Vice President of Human Resources at CCH where he supported employees while implementing new patient care models.
Barber holds a Master of Health Administration from Saint Joseph’s University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University. He sits on several boards including those for the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, Economic Development Company of Lancaster County, Lancaster Behavioral Health Hospital, and Lancaster Rehabilitation Hospital.
