By Kathy Chouteau
Richmond-raised Nicole Barnett, chief operating officer and chief nurse executive for Kaiser Permanente’s Richmond Medical Center, is joining Richmond Promise’s Board of Directors this month, per an announcement from the organization’s Executive Director Chris Whitmore.
Whitmore said Barnett “brings years of lived and professional experience that embody the mission and goals of Richmond Promise.” She has shown passion for serving her local community and supporting young people, he added. “I’m excited for the impact she will have as a member of Richmond Promise’s Board of Directors.”
Barnett’s been a member of the Kaiser Permanente team since 2008, when she started working in West Contra Costa County as service director for the Pinole Medical Offices, a satellite of the Richmond Medical Center. In March 2022, she became the Richmond Medical Center’s chief operating officer and chief nurse executive and is “accountable for patient quality, safety and clinical performance for the licensed and acute care services,” per Whitmore’s announcement.
Her experience also includes having served on numerous boards, including for the East Bay Center for the Performing Arts in Richmond.
Barnett graduated from both Kennedy High School and the Contra Costa College School of Nursing. Her background also includes studying biology at Oberlin College, earning her BSN, PHN and MBA degrees from Cal State Dominguez Hills, and a Doctor of Health Sciences degree from Nova Southeastern University.
“I love learning and teaching, I love nursing and I love my community,” said Barnett, adding that she is “very proud and thankful to be serving my Richmond community both inside and outside the walls of the Kaiser Richmond Medical Center.”
