Meridian Performance Appoints Healthcare M&A Veteran Kevin M. Barnes as Strategic Advisor
Kevin Barnes, a senior corporate development and healthcare executive will help guide Meridian’s strategy
CHARLOTTE, NC – February 11, 2026 – Meridian Performance Systems, the computer vision company transforming mobile devices into precision measurement tools, today announced the appointment of Kevin M. Barnes as Strategic Advisor. Barnes, a senior healthcare executive and former Senior Vice President of Corporate Development at Premier Inc., will guide Meridian’s corporate development strategy, M&A initiatives, and expansion into the healthcare services and enterprise technology sectors.
"We are incredibly excited and fortunate to have Kevin join our advisory team as we accelerate our corporate strategy," said Josh Kohn, CEO and Co-founder of Meridian Performance Systems. "His extraordinary track record, navigating complex regulatory and integration challenges, makes him the ideal advisor to help us scale our computer vision platform into healthcare and other regulated enterprise environments".
Barnes brings over 25 years of experience in growth, governance, and complex strategic transitions. During his tenure at Premier Inc. he led 19 acquisitions and investments, executed an $800 million divestiture, and was instrumental in the company’s $870 million IPO. His background spans operational leadership as a Chief Operating Officer, private equity roll-up execution, investment banking, and corporate M&A law.
"Meridian’s breakthrough computer vision technology represents exactly the kind of innovation that can transform traditional industries," said Barnes. "The ability to provide precision measurement and data-enabled insights through mobile devices offers extraordinary value creation opportunities in healthcare services and technology. I am thrilled to help the team navigate the strategic opportunities ahead".
A former U.S. Air Force Captain and Air Weapons Officer, Barnes holds an MBA and Juris Doctor from the College of William & Mary and a Bachelor of Science from the U.S. Air Force Academy. He is currently the Founder and Principal of Barnes Strategic Advisory Group, where he advises healthcare companies and private equity sponsors on value creation and long-term capital strategy.
Barnes will advise Meridian on capital allocation, partnership strategies, and the expansion to regulated industries as the company expands its footprint. "Kevin's appointment reinforces our commitment to building world-class operations," added Kohn. "His holistic perspective on board governance and hands-on integration experience will be invaluable as we execute enterprise deals and expand our platform across healthcare verticals".
About Meridian Performance Systems
Meridian Performance Systems transforms mobile devices into precision measurement tools through breakthrough computer vision technology. Founded by CEO Josh Kohn (former Army Ranger, J.P. Morgan investment banker, and co-founder of DebtBook), CTO Dr. Cody Phillips, and 8 year NFL Veteran Matthias Farley, Meridian's platform enables any camera to understand and measure the physical world with unprecedented accuracy. The company's mission is to harness technology to elevate mankind, not replace it, making people safer, healthier, and more capable in pursuits that matter. For more information, visit MeridianKPS.com
