In a strategic shift, Chris Barnett, the CEO and founder of ABA Centers of America (ABA), is stepping down from the day-to-day management of the company. Barnett is transitioning into a chairman position, leaving behind a legacy of extraordinary growth for the Fort Lauderdale-based autism therapy company. The company, which has expanded rapidly in recent years, is poised for its next phase under the leadership of Jason Barker, who joined ABA Centers of America in September as CEO.
This leadership transition marks a significant moment for ABA Centers of America, as it prepares to scale even further in response to the soaring demand for autism therapy services. Under Barnett’s stewardship, the company has established itself as one of the fastest-growing healthcare companies in the United States. With Barker now at the helm, the company is focusing on consolidating its success, expanding its reach, and entering into new partnerships to fuel future growth.
Chris Barnett’s Vision and Legacy at ABA Centers of America
Chris Barnett’s leadership has been integral to ABA Centers of America’s meteoric rise in the autism therapy space. Founded with the mission to provide high-quality applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy to children with autism, the company has grown to operate in 34 markets across 10 states. ABA Centers of America’s innovative approach to delivering services has contributed to the company’s rapid expansion, with 24 clinics currently operational and plans to open 40 more by 2025.
The company’s remarkable growth trajectory has earned it a spot on the prestigious Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing American private companies. In fact, ABA Centers of America experienced an eye-popping revenue increase of 32,192% over the three years ending in 2023, making it the fastest-growing behavioral health company in the nation. This success is a testament to Barnett’s leadership, which emphasized scalability, operational efficiency, and a relentless focus on quality care for children with autism.
Barnett’s decision to step down from the CEO role reflects his confidence in the company’s infrastructure and processes, as well as his desire to focus on the company’s big-picture strategy. Barnett has always had a forward-thinking approach to business, and this transition allows him to pivot toward the vision and long-term direction of ABA Centers of America. By assuming the position of chairman, Barnett can continue to play an important role in guiding the company’s strategic initiatives while allowing new leadership to focus on driving day-to-day operations and scaling the business.
Jason Barker Takes the Helm: A New Era for ABA Centers of America
The appointment of Jason Barker as the new CEO of ABA Centers of America signals a bold new chapter for the company. Barker, who previously served as the chief operating officer at ChenMed, a senior primary care company, brings a wealth of experience in scaling healthcare organizations. Barker’s background in operations, leadership, and hypergrowth healthcare models made him an ideal candidate for the role, according to Barnett.
In an interview with Autism Business News, Barnett explained his rationale for bringing Barker on board: “I wanted a visionary CEO that had built the infrastructure and processes on a hypergrowth-scaling healthcare provider, which is basically like me saying I wanted a unicorn. We found just that.” This sentiment highlights Barnett’s commitment to ensuring that ABA Centers of America continues to scale effectively while maintaining the same level of clinical excellence that has been central to the company’s success.
Barker’s experience in leading large-scale operations is critical as ABA Centers of America aims to expand its reach even further. Under his leadership, the company will continue to focus on its core mission: delivering high-quality autism therapy services to children in need. As Barker settles into his new role, he will be responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations and ensuring that the company is well-positioned to execute its growth strategy.
A New Chapter: Financing, Partnerships, and Future Growth
With Jason Barker at the helm, ABA Centers of America is entering a new phase of its development. Barnett’s transition to chairman coincides with the company’s ongoing conversations with potential partners who can provide the capital needed to fuel its future expansion. Until now, ABA Centers of America has been financed primarily by Barnett and other executives within the company. However, Barnett has indicated that the company is now seeking partnerships that involve debt capital, which could provide the resources necessary to accelerate growth.
In an interview with Autism Business News, Barnett revealed that the company is in discussions with several groups interested in partnering with ABA Centers of America. “We put ourselves in a really strong position to be choosy about who the right partner is that can help fund and fuel more continued growth and success,” Barnett said. This careful approach to selecting the right financial partners reflects the company’s commitment to maintaining its strong financial position while continuing its rapid expansion.
Scaling the Business: ABA Centers of America’s Growth Strategy
ABA Centers of America’s growth strategy has been centered around entering new markets, establishing clinics, and providing in-person services to children with autism. The company’s model is designed to build a presence in local communities by first offering on-location services and then establishing a clinic to serve clients in the area. This approach has enabled the company to expand quickly while ensuring that families have access to high-quality therapy in their own communities.
Currently, ABA Centers of America operates 24 clinics, but the company has aggressive plans for expansion. By 2025, ABA Centers of America aims to open 40 additional clinics, which will further solidify its position as a leader in the autism therapy space. As part of this expansion, the company will continue to focus on maintaining its high standards of clinical care, ensuring that the therapies provided are effective and tailored to the individual needs of each child.
In addition to its focus on expanding its clinic network, ABA Centers of America is also working to establish a national brand. Barnett emphasized that the company has already proven its model and scalability. The next step is to take that model to a broader audience and ensure that more children and families can access the care they need. “We want to make a larger impact: we want to work towards a national brand, and you’re going to see a lot of that happen over the next 12 to 24 months,” Barnett explained.
Technology and Innovation: CurativeAI and the Future of Autism Therapy
In addition to his work with ABA Centers of America, Chris Barnett also owns CurativeAI, a technology company that builds AI-powered software for healthcare providers. This includes electronic health records (EHR) systems and clinician-level data collection tools, both of which have the potential to revolutionize the way autism therapy is delivered. Barnett’s vision is to integrate CurativeAI’s technology with ABA Centers of America, providing the company with cutting-edge tools to enhance clinical care, improve operational efficiency, and support the company’s ongoing growth.
CurativeAI’s role within ABA Centers of America will focus on enhancing the delivery of therapy services through the use of data-driven insights and advanced technology. As ABA Centers of America expands its footprint, this integration of AI-powered tools will help streamline operations and ensure that clinicians have the resources they need to provide the best care possible.
The Future of ABA Centers of America
As Chris Barnett transitions to his new role as chairman, ABA Centers of America is poised for continued success under the leadership of Jason Barker. The company’s impressive growth trajectory, combined with its focus on expanding access to high-quality autism therapy services, positions it for long-term success. With plans to open dozens of new clinics, strengthen its national brand, and incorporate innovative technology through CurativeAI, ABA Centers of America is setting itself up to be a leader in the autism therapy market for years to come.
While Barnett’s departure from the CEO role marks the end of an era, it also marks the beginning of a new phase in the company’s development. With Jason Barker’s leadership, ABA Centers of America will continue to build on its success and work toward its goal of making a lasting impact in the lives of children with autism and their families.
