Bradford Health, a leading provider of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment services across the southeastern United States, has named behavioral health industry veteran Lisa Evans as its new Chief Executive Officer. Backed by more than a decade of experience and a background rooted in both operational excellence and social work, Evans brings a deeply human-centered leadership style to one of the region’s most established behavioral health organizations. Her appointment marks a significant shift toward innovative substance use disorder treatment leadership.
Headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, Bradford Health has been delivering SUD treatment for nearly 50 years. With over 40 facilities spread across Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Tennessee, the organization offers a full continuum of care, including inpatient and residential treatment, outpatient rehab, detox services, and extended care options. In 2022, Bradford was acquired by Lee Equity Partners, a middle-market private equity firm, setting the stage for expanded growth and innovation under new substance use disorder treatment leadership.
Evans comes to Bradford from Perimeter Healthcare, where she served as Chief Operations Officer overseeing 10 acute psychiatric hospitals and treatment campuses. Her responsibilities included developing operational processes, hiring and training staff, and executing strategic initiatives like acquisitions and needs assessments. Her hands-on leadership and focus on underserved communities were a hallmark of her time at Perimeter—a legacy she intends to carry forward at Bradford Health. This commitment to hands-on leadership and growth strategy is vital for Bradford’s vision of substance use disorder treatment leadership.
“I really enjoy learning about acquisitions, mergers, needs assessments, and determining where we can help the most,” said Evans in an interview with Behavioral Health Business. “I also have a background in social work, so I really like serving underserved populations. Perimeter does a good job of going into rural and underserved areas, as does Bradford.”
Building on a 47-Year Legacy of Care
With Bradford’s strong reputation in the Southeast and nearly five decades of experience, Evans sees tremendous opportunity to grow the organization’s reach without compromising its core values. She describes her leadership philosophy as “people-first”—a mindset focused on empowering staff, listening to clinicians, and ensuring employees have the tools, training, and support they need to thrive. Her approach aligns with the evolving needs of substance use disorder treatment leadership, where compassion, education, and staff retention are at the forefront.
“If we don’t take care of our people, how can they take care of the patients we serve?” Evans asked. “I believe people are the best resource we have.”
She notes that workforce challenges remain top of mind for every provider in the behavioral health space, and Bradford is no exception. Attracting and retaining talent is about more than compensation—though competitive pay remains essential. Evans believes in a more holistic approach: fostering an environment where clinicians can grow professionally, access ongoing training in new therapeutic modalities, and feel a sense of purpose in their work. This is crucial for advancing substance use disorder treatment leadership at Bradford Health.
“People want to feel good about what they’re doing and to feel like they’re contributing,” she added. “If we can create ways for them to grow with us, learn more with us, and see the difference they make in people’s lives, that’s rewarding.”
Strategic Growth with Community Impact
Looking ahead, Evans is focused on increasing Bradford Health’s geographic footprint—especially in the southeastern United States, where the organization already holds a strong presence. This regional expansion will involve a mix of strategies, including new facility development (de novo), acquisitions, and potential joint ventures. With so many passionate, mission-driven “mom-and-pop” treatment providers operating in local communities, Evans sees opportunities for partnerships that honor those grassroots beginnings while bringing additional resources and infrastructure to the table. This approach will help ensure continued progress in substance use disorder treatment leadership.
“A lot of folks started these programs with heart and mission. Those are always great places to look for growth opportunities,” she said.
Her approach is data-informed but also driven by collaboration and community needs. She emphasizes working closely with local authorities, community leaders, and regulatory agencies to ensure that services are aligned with real-world challenges. Breaking down silos and fostering collaboration is a key priority—one that can help ensure more people have access to the care they need. This collaboration will be crucial as Bradford strengthens its role in substance use disorder treatment leadership.
Responding to Urgent Behavioral Health Trends
Evans is also acutely aware of the pressing public health crises shaping today’s behavioral health landscape—particularly the surge in fentanyl-related overdoses and the growing mental health needs of veterans. She points to the recent $760 million in federal funding awarded to Alabama for prevention and intervention efforts as a sign of both the urgency and opportunity to act.
“The statistics about fentanyl overdoses and related deaths are alarming,” she said. “It feels overwhelming because there’s a lot to be done. But if each one of us takes our role seriously, we can make a difference.”
Bradford is positioning itself to be part of that difference by integrating the latest evidence-based treatment modalities and staying at the forefront of innovation in the SUD treatment field. Evans emphasized that solidifying Bradford’s existing programs and continuing to support the staff will remain just as important as expansion. It’s not about growing for growth’s sake—it’s about increasing access while maintaining the high standards that patients and families have come to expect. This balance of growth and quality is integral to effective substance use disorder treatment leadership.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for Lasting Impact
When asked what kind of legacy she hopes to leave at Bradford Health, Evans speaks with humility and determination. She’s not looking to reinvent the wheel—rather, she wants to build on a solid foundation of trust, experience, and compassion.
“I hope to build on the foundation that is already established. To respect that foundation and provide support and resources to the staff so that they can increase access to care for the patients.”
Her vision includes not only geographic expansion but also a commitment to high-quality, individualized care supported by well-trained, motivated professionals. By blending operational excellence with heart-led leadership, Evans is setting the tone for Bradford’s next chapter—one that honors its legacy while boldly stepping into the future of substance use disorder treatment leadership.
Conclusion
Lisa Evans takes the helm at Bradford Health at a pivotal time for the behavioral health industry. As mental health and addiction challenges continue to escalate, particularly in underserved regions, Bradford’s mission has never been more vital. With Evans’ strategic insight, social work roots, and unwavering focus on people—both staff and patients alike—Bradford Health is well-positioned to grow its impact and continue delivering life-saving care across the Southeast. The continued evolution of substance use disorder treatment leadership will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of addiction recovery and care.
