Since 2017, Brownfield Regional Medical Center (BRMC) has seen frequent turnover in its top leadership, cycling through three chief executive officers in less than a decade. The changes reflect the reality many rural hospitals face—working to maintain stable operations while navigating tight budgets, staffing challenges, and the growing demand for consistent, local healthcare services.
BRMC’s current CEO, Chuck Norris, first came to the hospital as an interim administrator in late November 2022. At the time, the move was intended to bring steadiness during a transitional period. In the months that followed, the BRMC Board of Directors made Norris its permanent choice, keeping him in place to oversee day-to-day hospital operations and provide continuity.
That season of leadership is now coming to a close. With Norris’ contract set to expire in February 2026, he has shared that he believes it is time to fully retire. For BRMC, the decision signals another change at a critical moment, as rural healthcare providers continue to juggle rising operational costs, workforce shortages, and the ongoing need to expand or preserve services close to home.
To prepare for the transition, the BRMC Board of Directors voted during a recent board meeting to hire Dr. Kyle Barnett as the hospital’s next CEO.
Barnett is familiar to many in the community through his work in health, rehabilitation, and human performance. He is the owner and CEO of Caprock Performance, which operates inside the Forever Fitness facility in Brownfield. His professional focus has long centered on wellness, training, and restoring performance—experience that aligns with the broader healthcare shift toward prevention, rehabilitation, and long-term community health outcomes.
In addition to his business leadership, Barnett brings an extensive academic and clinical background. A Stamford High School graduate, he attended Hardin-Simmons University, where he played baseball for four years and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology before completing his Doctorate in Physical Therapy. He later earned a Master of Healthcare Administration from the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.
Barnett’s credentials also include specialized certifications and training. He is a Board-Certified Sports Specialist, an Emergency Medical Technician–Basic (EMT-B), and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. He is also certified in dry needling and blood flow restriction training—tools often used in rehabilitation and recovery settings.
Beyond credentials, Barnett’s career has been rooted in rural healthcare. Prior to being named CEO, he worked as a physical therapist across a variety of settings, served as a Director of Rehabilitation for multiple clinics, and most recently owned and operated his own physical therapy clinic. He has said he is excited for the opportunity to bring high-quality healthcare to Brownfield and surrounding communities, and plans to focus on building a “culture of excellence” so BRMC can continue delivering dependable care for years to come.
Barnett also carries deep personal ties to the area. He is a fifth-generation member of a Brownfield family. Although he grew up in different parts of Texas, his grandparents—Kermitt and Janice Shults—lived in Brownfield, and he regularly returned to visit before moving to the community with his family in 2020.
Outside of work, Barnett and his wife, Kimberly, are raising their two children, Knox (4) and Kennedy (3). He enjoys watching and playing sports with family and friends and is especially a baseball fan, with a longtime loyalty to the Boston Red Sox. The Barnetts also strive to stay active in First Baptist Church, where they regularly assist with the youth.
The board’s decision to name the next CEO early signals a push for clarity and a smooth handoff. For Brownfield and Terry County, the coming months will be closely watched—not only because of the leadership change, but because BRMC remains a vital cornerstone for healthcare access across the region.
As the hospital prepares to transition from Norris to Barnett, community members, staff, and local leaders will be watching how the changeover unfolds and what priorities emerge under new executive leadership.