Newport Healthcare, a leading youth-focused behavioral health provider, has announced a significant leadership change with the appointment of Brian Setzer as its new CEO, effective December 9. Setzer will succeed Joe Procopio, who has served as CEO since June 2019 when the company was known as Newport Academy. Procopio is retiring from his role but will continue to serve as the chairman of the board. This Newport Healthcare leadership change marks a new chapter for the company as it builds on its successes and prepares for future growth in the youth behavioral health space.
Procopio has been instrumental in Newport Healthcare’s development over the past few years. His leadership helped the company expand its services and gain a strong reputation for providing high-quality care. Reflecting on the Newport Healthcare leadership change, Procopio expressed confidence in Setzer’s ability to lead the organization to new heights. He said, “Brian is the ideal leader to take Newport to the next level, guiding the most dedicated, talented, and passionate professionals in this field.” This endorsement speaks to the trust and optimism surrounding the leadership transition.
Setzer’s Background: Experience That Aligns with Newport Healthcare’s Mission
Brian Setzer’s experience in the health and wellness sector makes him an excellent fit for leading Newport Healthcare through this leadership change. Before being appointed as CEO, Setzer was the executive vice president of health and wellness at Walmart, where he oversaw retail pharmacy, optical services, and healthcare delivery operations. He also held executive roles at major health organizations like Highmark Health and The Cigna Group. Setzer’s background in managing large-scale health services provides him with the skills needed to navigate the evolving healthcare landscape and drive Newport Healthcare’s mission forward.
As the new CEO, Setzer’s leadership is expected to steer the company through new challenges while maintaining its commitment to treating youth with mental health and addiction disorders. The Newport Healthcare leadership change is a pivotal moment for the company, as it aims to expand its offerings and reach more young people in need of care.
Expanding Services and Emphasizing Addiction Treatment
Newport Healthcare, based in Nashville, Tennessee, operates 800 beds and 21 outpatient programs, providing a comprehensive range of services including residential treatment, partial hospitalization programs (PHP), and intensive outpatient programs (IOP). The company’s sub-brands, including Newport Academy, Newport Institute, Center for Families, and PrairieCare, focus on youth mental health and substance use disorder treatment. This Newport Healthcare leadership change comes at a time when the company is intensifying its focus on addiction treatment, offering specialized services that were previously integrated with general mental health care.
In 2023, Newport Healthcare announced that it would begin offering dedicated addiction treatment services separate from other mental health services. This strategic shift is in response to the growing need for specialized addiction care, particularly among youth. Setzer’s background in managing healthcare services makes him well-suited to lead this transition, as the company works to better address the unique needs of young people struggling with addiction.
The Impact of Private Equity on Newport Healthcare’s Growth
The Newport Healthcare leadership change also reflects the ongoing growth of the company, which has been supported by significant private equity investment. In 2021, Toronto-based Onex Partners acquired a 60% stake in Newport Healthcare in a deal valued at $1.3 billion. This partnership has provided the financial resources necessary for the company to expand its operations and continue its mission of delivering high-quality care. As Setzer takes the helm, the support from Onex Partners will help drive Newport Healthcare’s continued expansion and innovation in the behavioral health field.
This private equity backing has enabled Newport Healthcare to scale its services and reach more youth in need of care. With Setzer at the helm, the company is poised to capitalize on these resources, further expanding its offerings and solidifying its position as a leader in youth behavioral health.
Youth Behavioral Health: A Growing Market
The Newport Healthcare leadership change comes at a time when the broader youth behavioral health sector is seeing significant transformation. Digital health companies like Brightside Health and Hazel Health are revolutionizing the way mental health services are delivered, particularly for young people. These companies are leveraging technology to improve access to care, making it easier for teens to receive treatment remotely. However, traditional youth behavioral health providers have faced challenges, particularly in the area of residential treatment centers.
A recent report from the U.S. Senate Finance Committee raised concerns about the quality of care at residential treatment centers, particularly those serving children covered by Medicaid. This has led to increased scrutiny of the industry and calls for stronger regulatory oversight. Despite these challenges, Newport Healthcare remains a prominent player in the youth behavioral health market, and the Newport Healthcare leadership change signals a commitment to adapting and thriving in a rapidly evolving sector.
Looking Ahead: Setzer’s Vision for Newport Healthcare’s Future
As Brian Setzer steps into the role of CEO, the future of Newport Healthcare is filled with opportunity. The Newport Healthcare leadership change represents a fresh approach to guiding the company through its next phase of growth. Setzer’s expertise in health and wellness management will be essential as the company continues to expand its services, particularly in the area of addiction treatment. Newport Healthcare’s dedication to providing comprehensive, evidence-based care for youth will remain at the forefront of Setzer’s leadership strategy.
The youth behavioral health sector is experiencing rapid change, and Newport Healthcare is well-positioned to lead the way. With Setzer at the helm, the company is poised to further innovate and expand its services, meeting the growing demand for specialized care for mental health and substance use disorders.
In conclusion, the Newport Healthcare leadership change marks a significant milestone in the company’s history. As Setzer assumes his new role, the company’s future looks bright, with a renewed focus on expanding addiction treatment services, adapting to the evolving healthcare landscape, and continuing to provide exceptional care for youth across the country. With Setzer’s leadership, Newport Healthcare is set to build on its successes and navigate the challenges of the ever-changing behavioral health market.
