Hopebridge Inc., a major player in the autism therapy space, has announced a leadership change that marks a return to familiar territory. David McIntosh has stepped down as Chief Executive Officer, and Dennis May, who previously led the company for several years, has resumed the CEO role effective immediately. The Hopebridge CEO Transition comes during a pivotal time for the organization and the broader autism care industry.
A Familiar Face Returns to Guide the Organization
Dennis May is no stranger to Hopebridge. He first took on the CEO role in 2016 and was instrumental in expanding the company’s services across the United States. After stepping down in 2023, May served as the chairman of the board, continuing to guide the company’s vision and operations from a strategic standpoint. Now, with the Hopebridge CEO Transition in full effect, the company is relying on his steady leadership to navigate both internal shifts and external challenges.
A company spokesperson praised May’s impact, saying, “Dennis has played a pivotal role in expanding access to autism therapy services for thousands of families across the country. We are confident in his ability to guide us through this transition and beyond.” The spokesperson also noted that Hopebridge remains “on sound footing” and is “poised to make 2024 one of our best years yet.”
Navigating a Challenging 2023
This Hopebridge CEO Transition comes after a year of highs and lows for the organization. In July 2023, Hopebridge made the difficult decision to shutter its applied behavior analysis (ABA) service line in Colorado. The closures, which affected six of eight clinics in the state, were largely due to unsustainable Medicaid reimbursement rates and rising operational costs. While some centers remained open to offer speech and occupational therapy for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs), the move reflected a growing financial strain on ABA providers nationwide.
Closer to home in Indiana—where 21 of Hopebridge’s 122 clinics are located—state policy changes also dealt a blow to autism therapy providers. On January 1, 2024, Indiana moved from a percentage-of-billed-charges reimbursement model to a fixed-rate system. This change resulted in a roughly 25% reduction in average reimbursement rates, a shift considered unusual and troubling by many in the field. The Hopebridge CEO Transition brings renewed focus on how the organization will manage these economic pressures and continue to serve families effectively.
Backed by Private Equity and Positioned for Growth
Despite the financial headwinds, Hopebridge remains a strong presence in the autism services space. The company is backed by Arsenal Capital Partners, a private equity firm that acquired Hopebridge in 2019. The deal reportedly came with a $255 million valuation, aligning with Arsenal’s typical healthcare platform investments between $100 million and $500 million. The financial backing gives Hopebridge a solid foundation to weather industry disruptions—something the Hopebridge CEO Transition is expected to help steer strategically.
Addressing Staffing and Retention Challenges
Personnel costs continue to be the largest operational challenge for Hopebridge and other ABA providers. During his time as CEO, McIntosh pointed out that raising wages alone was not enough to combat high staff turnover. Instead, he emphasized the importance of creating career advancement opportunities and building supportive internal systems. These employee-centric strategies laid the groundwork for improved retention—a foundation May may choose to build upon now that the Hopebridge CEO Transition is in motion.
A Broader Trend of Leadership Resurgence
Dennis May’s return also mirrors a growing trend in the autism therapy industry: the resurgence of former CEOs to rescue or stabilize organizations in flux. For example, Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh, founder of the Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD), recently reacquired the company out of bankruptcy and resumed the CEO role. These high-profile “boomerang CEOs” reflect the value of experienced leadership in a rapidly evolving healthcare niche, and the Hopebridge CEO Transition is no exception.
A Mission That Remains Front and Center
Looking ahead, families and industry observers will be closely monitoring how Hopebridge evolves under May’s leadership. The challenges are real—tight reimbursement rates, rising labor costs, and increasing service demand—but so are the opportunities. As the Hopebridge CEO Transition progresses, stakeholders hope to see renewed stability, growth, and continued commitment to quality autism therapy services.
Charting a Path Forward
The Hopebridge CEO Transition is more than just a change in leadership; it’s a signal of resilience and strategic recalibration. With a proven leader back at the helm, Hopebridge aims to navigate today’s complex behavioral health landscape while staying focused on its mission: improving the lives of children with autism and supporting the families who love and care for them.
