In recent months, the behavioral health sector has experienced significant leadership transitions at several key organizations. These changes reflect the evolving nature of the industry and the growing demand for mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) services. From expanding digital health platforms to comprehensive treatment facilities across multiple states, new leadership is ushering in a period of growth, innovation, and adaptation, all contributing to behavioral health provider growth.
Cindy Meyer Appointed CEO at Robergs Behavioral Health
Robergs Behavioral Health, a leading diversified behavioral health provider based in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, has made waves with the appointment of Cindy Meyer as its CEO. The announcement came on August 18, 2023, marking a pivotal moment for the nonprofit organization. Meyer had served as the interim CEO since May 2023 after the departure of John Boyd Jr. in the fall of 2022.
Meyer brings with her a wealth of experience, having spent more than 30 years in behavioral health. Prior to stepping into the CEO role, she had been the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Robergs since November 2022. Her career in behavioral health has provided her with the insight and expertise necessary to lead the organization through a critical time of transition.
Robergs operates an extensive network of treatment facilities across ten states, with a concentration of locations in Wisconsin. These include three hospitals, 21 outpatient centers, and more than 50 residential and intensive care facilities. In the nine months leading up to April 30, 2023, the organization generated $260 million in revenue, reflecting its large scale and reach.
Under Meyer’s leadership, Robergs has been praised for maintaining a strong focus on patient care while navigating the complexities of leadership transitions. “Cindy has been instrumental in bringing stability and clarity to the organization, always putting patients and families at the center of every decision,” said Barbara Gromacki, chair of the board of directors at Robergs Behavioral Health. With her deep experience in senior leadership roles, Meyer is well-positioned to guide the organization into its next phase of behavioral health provider growth.
Brightside Health Bolsters Leadership with Julia Bernstein as COO
Brightside Health, a San Francisco-based digital mental health care provider, has appointed Julia Bernstein as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). Bernstein’s appointment comes as Brightside continues to scale its digital health services to meet the increasing demand for mental health care. With 15 years of experience in executive leadership, Bernstein is well-equipped to help Brightside strengthen its operational capabilities while driving the organization’s growth.
Before joining Brightside, Bernstein held senior roles at several prominent health organizations, including Thirty Madison, Ginger, Beacon Health Options, and Tempest. She has a proven track record of driving operational efficiency and innovation in healthcare systems, making her an ideal fit for Brightside’s mission to expand access to mental health services.
“Julia is an experienced digital health leader who understands healthcare systems inside and out,” said Brad Kittredge, CEO and co-founder of Brightside Health. “We’re excited to have her on board as we continue to deliver high-quality mental health care to everyone who needs it.” Brightside Health raised $50 million in March 2022, which will help fund its efforts to further grow its virtual mental health care platform.
With Bernstein at the helm of operations, Brightside Health is poised to strengthen its commitment to providing accessible, scalable, and effective mental health services to a broader audience, fueling further behavioral health provider growth.
Carter Serrett Steps into CEO Role at AKUA Behavioral Health
AKUA Behavioral Health, a mental health and substance use disorder treatment provider based in Newport Beach, California, has appointed Carter Serrett as its new CEO. Serrett officially took over the role on September 12, 2023, following the departure of the previous CEO, Stephen Mercurio, who will continue to serve as a board member.
Serrett has been with AKUA for eight years and has a strong background in sales and marketing. His experience as Vice President of Sales and Marketing has given him a deep understanding of AKUA’s operations and the mental health care landscape in California.
With 15 service sites across California, AKUA provides a range of treatment options, including residential, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), partial hospitalization programs (PHP), and virtual care. The organization is committed to offering high-quality care to individuals battling mental health and substance use disorders.
“I’m honored to step into the CEO role and lead AKUA into the next chapter,” Serrett said. Under his leadership, AKUA will continue to expand its reach, with a focus on ensuring that patients receive the most effective and compassionate care possible, driving behavioral health provider growth across the state.
Pneuma Behavioral Health Names Tammy George as Chief Growth Officer
Pneuma Behavioral Health, a North Carolina-based comprehensive mental health care provider, has appointed Tammy George as its new Chief Growth Officer (CGO). George’s hiring marks an important step in Pneuma’s expansion strategy, as the organization seeks to scale its services and meet the growing need for mental health and substance use disorder treatment.
At a time when Pneuma is experiencing rapid growth, George’s leadership will be crucial in shaping the organization’s future. Her primary responsibility will be to build a growth team and implement strategies that drive Pneuma’s continued success. This appointment follows Pneuma’s recent acquisition of Bright Path Behavioral Health, a provider specializing in partial hospitalization programs (PHP) and intensive outpatient programs (IOP) for youth aged 13 to 18.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Tammy George as our CGO,” said Albert Lupin, founder and CEO of Pneuma Behavioral Health. “Her leadership will help us continue to grow and expand our services to those who need it most.” Pneuma has become a leading provider of behavioral health services in North Carolina and is well-positioned to extend its impact in the coming years, contributing to behavioral health provider growth in the region.
Kyros Strengthens Compliance with New Appointment
Kyros PBC, a virtual peer support company focused on substance use disorder recovery, has named Kathleen Finnegan as its General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer. Finnegan will oversee the company’s legal and regulatory compliance efforts, ensuring that Kyros upholds the highest standards in the industry.
Kyros, which connects individuals in recovery with peer supporters through a digital platform, also works closely with treatment centers, community organizations, and government agencies to improve access to services for those battling substance use disorders. In August, the company raised $10.5 million in funding to support its growth and enhance its technology-driven services.
CEO Daniel Larson emphasized that Finnegan’s appointment underscores Kyros’s commitment to upholding strict compliance standards as it continues to innovate in the field of substance use disorder recovery. “This is more than just a new appointment for us,” Larson said. “It’s a statement of our dedication to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in SUD recovery and technology,” further reinforcing the behavioral health provider growth the company is experiencing.
Conclusion: Leadership Changes Driving Innovation and Growth
These leadership changes across the behavioral health industry reflect a broader trend of growth, innovation, and adaptation in response to the evolving needs of patients. From digital health solutions to comprehensive in-person treatment programs, these organizations are focusing on expanding access to care, improving operational efficiency, and maintaining a patient-centered approach.
As new leaders take the helm, they bring with them fresh perspectives and expertise that will shape the future of the behavioral health landscape. With a strong emphasis on innovation, scalability, and compassionate care, these organizations are poised to make a lasting impact on individuals seeking help for mental health and substance use disorders, driving behavioral health provider growth and advancing the industry as a whole.
