The behavioral health landscape continues to evolve, and with it comes a wave of leadership changes at key organizations. From new presidents at mental health systems to CEO retirements at longstanding addiction treatment centers, the sector is seeing a reshuffling that could have significant impacts on care delivery and organizational strategy. Here’s a closer look at some of the most notable moves and hires this month.
Maine Behavioral Healthcare Welcomes a New President
Maine’s largest mental health provider, Maine Behavioral Healthcare, has announced that Kelly Barton will assume the role of president in early October. Serving more than 20,000 patients across 30 locations statewide, Maine Behavioral Healthcare is part of the MaineHealth system and offers a full continuum of mental health care, including outpatient community services and inpatient acute care.
Barton brings extensive experience to the role, having previously served as vice president of integrated primary care at Community Health Network in Indianapolis. She will replace Steve Merz, who departed the organization last year to pursue consulting opportunities. With Barton at the helm, Maine Behavioral Healthcare is expected to continue its mission of providing high-quality mental health services to the state’s residents.
Seabrook Appoints New Medical Director
In New Jersey, Seabrook, a non-profit substance use disorder (SUD) treatment provider, has promoted David Russo to medical director. Russo, a former surgeon with 27 years of experience, joined Seabrook last year as a staff physician. He completed a fellowship in addiction medicine in 2019, marking a full transition from surgical practice to SUD care.
Seabrook operates across four New Jersey cities and provides a comprehensive continuum of care, including withdrawal management, inpatient services, outpatient care, and extended treatment programs. Russo’s promotion signals a commitment to strengthening clinical oversight and expanding the organization’s medical leadership in addiction treatment.
Unity Psychiatric Care Names New Medical Director
Unity Psychiatric Care, located in Huntsville, Alabama, has also welcomed a new medical director. Donald Klasing, who brings more than two decades of experience, will oversee the hospital’s care for adults with mental health challenges and dementia patients with behavioral complications.
Unity Psychiatric Care operates a 20-bed hospital for older adults over 55, as well as outpatient services for all adults. It is part of American Health Partners, based in Franklin, Tennessee. Klasing’s expertise is expected to enhance the hospital’s clinical capabilities and improve outcomes for a population with complex behavioral health needs.
Caron Treatment Centers CEO to Retire
One of the most significant leadership announcements comes from Caron Treatment Centers, a non-profit addiction treatment organization with locations in Pennsylvania, Florida, Washington, D.C., Georgia, and New York. Longtime CEO Doug Tieman, who has led the organization for more than 25 years, is set to retire on June 30, 2021.
Caron was founded in 1957 by Richard J. Caron and his wife, Catherine, and has since grown to provide a comprehensive continuum of care to patients of all ages. While Tieman’s retirement marks the end of an era, the organization is actively searching for his successor. Caron has engaged a Philadelphia-based firm to conduct a national search, ensuring the next CEO can continue the organization’s mission and strategic vision.
Ashley Addiction Treatment Hires New VP of Clinical Services
Ashley Addiction Treatment, a not-for-profit provider based in Havre de Grace, Maryland, has appointed James Ryan as its new vice president of clinical services. Ryan previously served as the director of emerging adult services and has been with Ashley since 2016.
Ashley Addiction Treatment operates an inpatient facility and two outpatient locations, offering the full continuum of SUD care. Ryan’s promotion highlights the organization’s focus on strengthening leadership within its clinical programs and continuing to advance evidence-based addiction treatment.
Implications for the Behavioral Health Sector
These leadership changes reflect a broader trend of evolution within behavioral health organizations. New leaders bring fresh perspectives, specialized expertise, and the potential to drive innovation in patient care, organizational strategy, and clinical practices.
At Maine Behavioral Healthcare, Barton’s experience in integrated primary care could support further collaboration between mental health and primary care services, improving holistic patient outcomes. Seabrook and Unity Psychiatric Care’s new medical directors are expected to enhance clinical oversight and guide program development for populations with complex needs.
Caron Treatment Centers faces the challenge and opportunity of transitioning leadership after decades under Tieman. The search for a new CEO is a pivotal moment that could influence the organization’s trajectory for years to come. Meanwhile, Ashley Addiction Treatment’s internal promotion of Ryan ensures continuity and reinforces the organization’s commitment to providing high-quality SUD care.
Looking Ahead
The behavioral health sector is entering a period of strategic realignment, with leadership changes poised to impact the delivery of care and organizational growth. These moves highlight the importance of experienced and visionary leaders in guiding complex organizations, particularly in a time when mental health and addiction services face increasing demand.
As new leaders take the reins, stakeholders—from patients to community partners—can expect continued innovation, strengthened clinical programs, and renewed strategic focus across these organizations. The combination of experience, fresh perspectives, and commitment to evidence-based care positions these behavioral health providers to adapt and thrive in an evolving healthcare landscape.
The wave of new appointments and retirements underscores the dynamic nature of the behavioral health field. For patients, this could mean improved access to care, enhanced treatment programs, and more responsive organizational leadership. For the organizations themselves, these transitions represent opportunities to advance their missions, innovate in service delivery, and meet the growing needs of the communities they serve.
In summary, the recent leadership shifts at Maine Behavioral Healthcare, Seabrook, Unity Psychiatric Care, Caron Treatment Centers, and Ashley Addiction Treatment illustrate a broader trend of strategic transformation within the behavioral health sector. By welcoming experienced leaders and investing in succession planning, these organizations are positioning themselves to continue providing high-quality mental health and addiction services while navigating an increasingly complex healthcare environment.
The coming months will be critical for these organizations as they integrate new leadership, define strategic priorities, and ensure that patient care remains the central focus. For observers and industry stakeholders, these changes offer a glimpse into the future of behavioral health leadership and the potential for continued innovation and excellence in the field.
