American Addiction Centers Holdings (AAC), a prominent multi-state addiction treatment provider, has appointed Dr. Tom Britton as its new Chief Executive Officer. This leadership change signals a renewed commitment to clinical excellence and innovation in addiction medicine, marking a significant American Addiction Centers CEO transition.
Dr. Tom Britton’s Extensive Background in Behavioral Health
Dr. Britton joins AAC from the Chicago-based Gateway Foundation, where he served as president and CEO since 2015. The Gateway Foundation is one of the nation’s largest non-profit addiction treatment providers, widely respected for its compassionate and comprehensive care. With over three decades of experience in behavioral health, Dr. Britton brings a wealth of expertise and a deeply personal connection to the field, being in long-term recovery himself.
Upon his appointment, Britton said, “I am both humbled and excited to join an organization like American Addiction Centers that has been on the front line, saving lives every day. There has never been a time when innovation and quality were more important in the field of addiction medicine than now.” His leadership is expected to drive AAC forward through innovation and clinical excellence, key goals for this important American Addiction Centers CEO transition.
AAC’s Mission and Reach Under New Leadership
Headquartered in Brentwood, Tennessee, AAC offers inpatient and outpatient treatment services in eight states, including California, Florida, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey, Texas, and Rhode Island. The organization specializes in treating substance and alcohol use disorders through detox, rehab, and therapies such as medication-assisted treatment. AAC accepts many commercial insurance plans along with Medicare and Medicaid.
AAC Chairman Bowen Diehl praised the appointment, stating, “Dr. Britton has the passion, skills, and industry leadership to build upon AAC’s commitment to clinical excellence as the nation’s leading addiction treatment provider.” This American Addiction Centers CEO transition comes at a critical time for the organization’s future.
Leadership Transition Amid Past Challenges
Dr. Britton succeeds Andrew McWilliams, who has been with AAC since 2014 and served as CEO from 2020. McWilliams played a vital role in guiding AAC through a challenging financial restructuring after the company filed for bankruptcy in 2020. During a tumultuous period in 2019, AAC faced management turnover, legal disputes, and was delisted from the New York Stock Exchange. These challenges tested the organization’s resilience.
Despite the hurdles, McWilliams led AAC through this period without closing any facilities or furloughing employees, while expanding its patient outreach and improving operational metrics. This foundation sets the stage for the next chapter in AAC’s growth following this important American Addiction Centers CEO transition.
Looking Ahead: Innovation and Growth
McWilliams will remain with AAC to ensure a smooth handoff to Dr. Britton, who is seen as the ideal leader to usher in AAC’s future. AAC Chairman Bowen Diehl noted, “[Britton] is poised to take the company into a new, innovative chapter with the tailwinds of excellent financial performance and a strong financial foundation built under McWilliams’ leadership.”
This American Addiction Centers CEO transition reflects AAC’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible addiction treatment while embracing innovation to meet evolving patient needs.
With Dr. Britton’s expertise and passion for addiction medicine, AAC is well positioned to expand its reach and improve lives nationwide in this new phase of leadership.
