Mark Mischek, the longtime CEO of Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, has announced plans to retire in 2021. His tenure has seen the organization grow into one of the nation’s leading nonprofit providers of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment.
The Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation emerged from the 2014 merger between the Hazelden Foundation and the Betty Ford Center, combining decades of expertise in addiction treatment. The organization now operates 17 locations nationwide, serving both adolescents and adults through inpatient and outpatient programs. Beyond direct care, Hazelden Betty Ford offers a graduate school of addiction studies, a publishing division, an advocacy arm, and an addiction research center, among other initiatives.
Mischek’s Leadership and Legacy
Mischek joined Hazelden in 2008 as CEO, well before the merger with Betty Ford. Under his leadership, Hazelden expanded both organically and through strategic acquisitions. At the time Mischek became CEO, Hazelden had six locations across the United States. Today, the organization has nearly three times that number and continues to broaden its reach.
His tenure has been marked by the growth of evidence-based treatment models and the integration of technology into patient care. Hazelden Betty Ford is now preparing to offer virtual care in all 50 states through its innovative RecoveryGo behavioral health service, allowing patients to access treatment from home.
Expansion and Innovation
The growth of Hazelden Betty Ford under Mischek has not been limited to physical locations. The foundation has embraced innovation in behavioral health, integrating virtual care, teletherapy, and digital resources into its programs. This expansion aligns with broader trends in healthcare, where technology is increasingly used to improve accessibility and patient outcomes.
The organization also continues to invest in workforce development and professional training through its graduate school of addiction studies. This educational arm ensures that Hazelden Betty Ford not only provides treatment but also prepares the next generation of addiction specialists to meet growing national demand.
A National Leader in Addiction Treatment
As the largest nonprofit SUD treatment provider in the United States, Hazelden Betty Ford has become a model for integrated, evidence-based care. Its approach combines clinical expertise, peer support, and comprehensive follow-up programs to support long-term recovery.
Mischek’s leadership has been instrumental in positioning the organization as a national leader. His efforts have ensured that Hazelden Betty Ford remains at the forefront of addiction treatment while navigating the challenges of a complex and evolving healthcare landscape.
Transition and Succession
Mischek has indicated he will step down once his successor is hired, likely in the first half of 2021. While the organization has not yet announced who will take over as CEO, the leadership transition is expected to build on Mischek’s foundation of growth, innovation, and quality care.
During this transition, Hazelden Betty Ford aims to maintain continuity in its programs, ensuring that patients continue to receive high-quality treatment without disruption. The organization’s board has emphasized its commitment to a smooth handover, reflecting the importance of leadership stability in the behavioral health sector.
Challenges and Opportunities
The behavioral health and addiction treatment sector has faced significant challenges in recent years, from increasing demand for services to adapting care models during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under Mischek, Hazelden Betty Ford has demonstrated resilience, expanding its digital capabilities and responding to changing patient needs.
The foundation’s strategic focus on technology and virtual care positions it well to continue serving patients nationwide, even in the face of public health crises or other disruptions. RecoveryGo, its digital behavioral health platform, exemplifies how innovative approaches can extend the reach of care while maintaining quality.
Continuing the Mission
As Mischek prepares to retire, Hazelden Betty Ford’s mission remains clear: to provide accessible, evidence-based addiction treatment while advancing research, education, and advocacy. The organization’s comprehensive approach addresses the full spectrum of care, from prevention and early intervention to long-term recovery support.
The next CEO will inherit an organization with a strong national reputation, a robust portfolio of services, and a growing digital presence. This leadership role will be critical in guiding Hazelden Betty Ford through a rapidly evolving healthcare environment while continuing to expand its impact on communities across the country.
Looking Ahead
Mark Mischek’s retirement marks the end of an era for Hazelden Betty Ford, but the organization’s trajectory remains strong. With a combination of innovative digital tools, expanded treatment locations, and ongoing workforce development, Hazelden Betty Ford is poised to continue shaping the future of addiction treatment in the United States.
As the behavioral health sector continues to adapt to new challenges, Hazelden Betty Ford’s commitment to evidence-based care, patient-centered services, and national leadership will ensure its ongoing relevance and success. The next CEO will have the opportunity to build on Mischek’s legacy while furthering the organization’s mission to improve the lives of those affected by substance use disorders.
In summary, Mischek’s retirement signals both a reflection on decades of progress and a moment to look forward to continued innovation and leadership in the field of addiction treatment. Hazelden Betty Ford’s combination of clinical expertise, national reach, and digital innovation positions it to remain a cornerstone of behavioral health care in the years ahead.
