Kootenai Care Network appoints Ramon J. Guel as executive director

Kootenai Care Network announced that Ramon J. Guel has been appointed Executive Director, bringing more than a decade of healthcare administration experience to the regional clinician network, the organization published on Feb. 3, 2026. The move places a veteran of clinically integrated networks at the helm of a group that describes itself as physician-governed and focused on coordinated care across Kootenai County.

Ramon J. Guel spent five years leading MultiCare Connected Care’s Clinically Integrated Network before joining Kootenai Care Network. His biography on the KCN site notes he is originally from Oregon and relocated to Washington state in 2018. Kootenai Care Network’s announcement includes a short welcome: “We welcome Ramon J. Guel, as the new Exective Director.”

Guel’s resume blends military, clinical and administrative experience. He is a former U.S. Army Medical Service Corps officer and has held leadership roles in Combat Support Hospitals. Academically, Guel holds a BA in English Literature from Troy University, an MA in English from Heritage University, an MBA in Healthcare Administration from Concordia University–Portland, and a Certificate in Healthcare Leadership from Gonzaga University. He is listed as “Ramon J. Guel, MBA” on the Washington State chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives Board of Directors page, where he serves as an at-large member.

Kootenai Care Network positions itself as a Clinically Integrated Network, a model the organization defines as “A Clinically Integrated Network (CIN) is a legally sanctioned collaboration among healthcare providers that aims to improve patient outcomes, reduce costs, and enhance efficiency through coordinated care, data sharing, and performance feedback.” The network’s public materials emphasize benefits for providers, noting that “Joining KCN helps healthcare providers reduce Medicare reporting, access care support, influence governance, receive feedback, earn financial incentives, collaborate, and improve local patient care.” KCN also stresses physician governance and the use of analytics, writing that “Kootenai Care Network is governed by physicians, ensuring that their expertise will advocate for patient’s care in both quality and safety,” and that “Data analytics and collaboration help to develop and implement clinical protocols and monitor clinical performance to help you achieve high quality care in a more efficient manner.”

The network’s site further states that “Kootenai Care Network has over almost 700 providers caring for community members,” language that signals a broad local footprint even if an exact provider count is not given. The appointment was also noted in the Coeur d’Alene Press Movers & Shakers column, highlighting the leadership change in local business and health circles.

For Kootenai County residents, Ramon J. Guel’s leadership could mean a continued push toward coordinated care, stronger reporting support for local providers, and expanded use of performance data to shape clinical practices. Next steps likely include confirmation of Guel’s effective start date and more detailed plans from Kootenai Care Network about priorities under his direction; local clinicians and patients will be watching how those plans translate into clinic workflows and patient outcomes.