BlueSprig, a leading Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) provider backed by private equity giant KKR, is undergoing a major autism provider leadership transition following the announcement that its CEO, Jason Owen, will be stepping down to pursue a new opportunity. This leadership change marks an important moment for the Houston-based company, which has seen rapid growth since its founding in 2018 and continues to expand its footprint in the autism services space.
Jason Owen joined BlueSprig as CEO in February 2022, guiding the company through a period of accelerated expansion and service diversification. Earlier this month, Owen announced his decision to step down from his role in order to assume the position of CEO and president at Envision Healthcare. In a heartfelt LinkedIn message to his colleagues at BlueSprig, Owen expressed gratitude for the teamwork and friendships forged during his tenure and highlighted his commitment to supporting Envision’s mission of delivering high-quality, complex care to millions of patients.
Founded and backed by KKR in 2018, BlueSprig has quickly become one of the largest ABA providers in the country. The company currently operates more than 170 locations across the United States, offering a comprehensive range of services including early intervention ABA, adolescent ABA, and specialized therapies tailored to the unique needs of individuals with autism. BlueSprig’s growth trajectory took another leap forward in October with the acquisition of Trumpet Behavioral Health, a move that added 40 additional locations and further strengthened the company’s presence nationwide.
BlueSprig’s Search for New Leadership
In the wake of Owen’s departure, BlueSprig issued a statement affirming its active search for a new CEO. The company conveyed confidence in its executive leadership team, underscoring their commitment to the organization’s mission and the continued delivery of high-quality autism services. “We are actively searching for a new CEO and look forward to finding the right person to lead BlueSprig through its next phase of growth,” the statement read, reflecting optimism about the company’s future despite the leadership change.
Autism Provider Leadership Transition Reflects Industry Trends
BlueSprig’s autism provider leadership transition is part of a broader trend within the autism services industry. Around the same time, Kathleen Stengel, founder and former CEO of NeuroAbilities—another prominent ABA provider—also announced her departure. These shifts highlight the challenges providers face in recruiting and retaining experienced leadership.
A key obstacle is the systemic shortage of experienced board-certified behavioral analysts (BCBAs), who often serve as natural candidates for leadership roles. ABA is a relatively young clinical discipline, and many BCBAs currently in the workforce have only a handful of years of experience. This limited tenure makes it difficult for providers to find leaders who combine clinical expertise with executive management skills. Furthermore, many clinicians hesitate to transition into leadership positions, preferring to remain focused on direct client care rather than administrative responsibilities.
Leadership Development in ABA Providers
While not all leaders in the ABA space begin their careers as practicing clinicians, the pathway from practitioner to executive is a popular and important career trajectory within behavioral health. It ensures that those at the helm deeply understand the clinical, operational, and ethical aspects of delivering care. Providers like BlueSprig must therefore invest not only in expanding services but also in cultivating leadership talent that can sustain high standards and navigate the complexities of scaling care.
The Importance of Leadership in a Growing Industry
The demand for ABA and autism services continues to rise as awareness grows and diagnosis rates increase. At the same time, private equity involvement, exemplified by KKR’s backing of BlueSprig, is accelerating industry consolidation and expansion. This dynamic environment requires visionary leaders who can balance growth ambitions with the critical need to maintain quality, accessibility, and patient-centered care.
As BlueSprig moves forward in its search for new leadership, the company faces the challenge of selecting a CEO who can steer the organization through its next chapter—one marked by continued growth, integration of newly acquired locations, and adaptation to evolving clinical best practices. The right leader will need to inspire teams, uphold the company’s mission, and engage effectively with stakeholders ranging from families and clinicians to payers and regulators.
Conclusion: Autism Provider Leadership Transition and the Path Forward
In summary, the autism provider leadership transition at BlueSprig is more than just a change at the top; it underscores the maturation of the ABA industry and the growing pains associated with rapid expansion and professional development. For BlueSprig and its peers, the future success of autism care delivery will depend heavily on securing skilled, experienced leadership capable of meeting the complex demands of a fast-changing behavioral health landscape.
The ongoing autism provider leadership transition highlights the importance of strategic leadership recruitment in ensuring sustainable growth and quality care. BlueSprig’s experience is a clear example of how critical leadership transitions are in shaping the trajectory of providers amid increasing demand and industry consolidation.
As the company embarks on this next phase, the focus on effective leadership will be crucial in maintaining BlueSprig’s mission-driven approach. The current autism provider leadership transition reflects broader trends within the sector that will continue to influence how care providers evolve and thrive.
In the coming months, the success of this autism provider leadership transition will depend on BlueSprig’s ability to find a visionary leader who understands both clinical care and organizational management. The right CEO can ensure that BlueSprig not only sustains but accelerates its growth in serving the autism community.
Ultimately, the BlueSprig case is a reminder that leadership transitions within autism providers are pivotal moments that carry both challenges and opportunities. Navigating these carefully will be essential for advancing the quality and reach of autism services nationwide.
