Recovery Centers of America (RCA), a leading substance use disorder (SUD) treatment provider backed by Deerfield Management Company, has announced the addition of two senior executives to strengthen its leadership team. The organization, headquartered in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, operates 12 facilities across five states, offering inpatient and outpatient services, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and its own specialty laboratory. With its growing national footprint and diverse care offerings, RCA is positioning itself to expand its impact on addiction recovery.
The two new leaders are Stacie Runion, hired as chief human resources officer, and Kerry King, who will serve as vice president of clinical services. Both bring more than two decades of expertise in their respective fields, which RCA hopes will support its mission of transforming addiction care and enhancing both staff and patient experiences.
Stacie Runion To Lead Human Resources
As the new chief human resources officer, Stacie Runion will oversee nearly 2,500 employees across RCA’s network of facilities. With more than 20 years of HR experience, Runion is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping organizational culture, streamlining employee engagement, and ensuring that the company continues to recruit and retain top talent in behavioral health care.
Her leadership will be critical as RCA continues to expand its workforce to meet growing demand for substance use treatment services. In an industry where workforce shortages are a pressing concern, Runion’s expertise in talent management, training, and organizational development is set to bolster RCA’s capacity to deliver high-quality care consistently across its facilities.
Kerry King To Oversee Clinical Services
Kerry King has been named vice president of clinical services, bringing more than two decades of experience in behavioral health care. She specializes in treating individuals with co-occurring substance use disorders and mental health conditions, an area that has become increasingly vital as providers work to address the complex needs of patients.
In addition to her expertise in adolescent development and change management, King has a proven track record of implementing clinical best practices. At RCA, she will lead the oversight of all clinical operations, ensuring that evidence-based treatments remain at the forefront of patient care. Her role is also expected to include advancing clinical integration across RCA’s network and promoting innovative care strategies.
The addition of Runion and King highlights RCA’s commitment to strengthening both the workforce and clinical sides of its operations, which together form the foundation of effective, patient-centered addiction treatment.
Odyssey Behavioral Healthcare Appoints Chief Development Officer
Odyssey Behavioral Healthcare, a growing provider of care for patients with eating disorders, psychiatric conditions, substance use disorders, and technology addictions, has appointed Dan Davidson as its new chief development officer. Odyssey, founded just over five years ago and headquartered in Brentwood, Tennessee, has quickly scaled to 20 locations across seven states, with more than 350 treatment beds.
Davidson, who brings over 25 years of transaction and advisory experience, joins Odyssey from Coker Capital Securities, an investment banking firm he co-founded that was later acquired by Fifth Third Securities. His background in healthcare investment banking positions him well to identify growth opportunities, manage large-scale transactions, and build strategic partnerships that will help Odyssey expand its national footprint.
Davidson’s Role In Driving Growth
As chief development officer, Davidson’s primary responsibility will be to strengthen and expand Odyssey’s network of facilities nationwide. Given the organization’s rapid growth since its founding, Odyssey is clearly preparing for its next phase of expansion by bringing in leadership with deep expertise in mergers, acquisitions, and healthcare business strategy.
Davidson’s appointment underscores Odyssey’s long-term vision of becoming a major national provider across multiple areas of behavioral health. By adding an executive with his background, the company is signaling its intent to pursue both organic growth and strategic acquisitions, ensuring it can meet the rising demand for behavioral health services across the country.
Addiction Referral Center Welcomes New Executive Director
The Addiction Referral Center (ARC), a nonprofit substance use disorder treatment center located in Marlborough, Massachusetts, has appointed Kelly McCausland as its new executive director. ARC has been serving the community for 45 years, providing education, outreach, and support services to individuals struggling with addiction.
McCausland, who stepped into the role earlier this month, holds a master’s degree in public administration and is the founder of Prana Recovery Centers, another nonprofit SUD treatment organization based in Massachusetts. Her combined experience in nonprofit leadership and substance use treatment makes her well-suited to guide ARC into its next chapter.
McCausland’s Vision For ARC
As executive director, McCausland will be tasked with continuing ARC’s legacy of community support while also identifying ways to expand its services and outreach. Given her background, she is expected to bring a fresh perspective on collaboration, funding strategies, and innovative treatment approaches.
ARC has long been a trusted resource for individuals and families impacted by addiction, offering guidance and referral services that connect people with the treatment options they need. With McCausland’s leadership, the center is likely to strengthen its impact and adapt to the evolving needs of its community.
A Broader Look At Leadership Shifts In Behavioral Health
The leadership changes at RCA, Odyssey, and ARC reflect broader trends in the behavioral health industry. Organizations are increasingly focusing on strengthening executive teams to meet rising demand, improve operational efficiency, and scale services. The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the need for accessible mental health and addiction care, putting pressure on providers to expand capacity while also adapting to new treatment modalities like telehealth.
For private equity-backed organizations like RCA and Odyssey, bringing in executives with experience in HR, clinical services, and business development signals a commitment to both patient outcomes and organizational growth. For nonprofits like ARC, appointing leaders with deep community ties and nonprofit expertise ensures continued alignment with mission-driven goals.
The Importance Of Experienced Leadership
Behavioral health organizations are navigating a complex landscape marked by high demand, workforce shortages, and ongoing financial pressures. Strong leadership is critical in addressing these challenges. By investing in leaders with specialized expertise, providers can ensure that they remain agile, innovative, and effective in delivering care.
In particular, leaders like Runion, King, Davidson, and McCausland bring not only years of experience but also diverse skill sets that touch on human resources, clinical oversight, financial growth, and community engagement. Their collective impact will likely extend beyond their organizations, contributing to the broader advancement of behavioral health care in the United States.
Looking Ahead
As the behavioral health industry continues to evolve, leadership appointments such as these are more than internal changes—they are indicators of where the field is headed. With private equity-backed providers ramping up expansion and nonprofits reinforcing community-based care, the sector is poised for both growth and innovation.
RCA, Odyssey, and ARC are each taking strategic steps to ensure their organizations are led by experienced, forward-thinking executives. In doing so, they are preparing to meet the increasing demand for behavioral health services while also shaping the future of care delivery.
The momentum created by these appointments demonstrates a clear recognition that leadership matters deeply in behavioral health. As 2021 and beyond unfold, these organizations will likely serve as models of how strong executive teams can drive success in an industry where the stakes—patient well-being, community health, and systemic impact—are higher than ever.
