New Vista, one of Kentucky’s largest behavioral health providers, has announced the retirement of its Chief Executive Officer, Paul Beatrice. The Lexington-based organization, which serves as a critical resource for thousands of Kentuckians, now enters a new chapter as it launches a national search for its next leader.
Paul Beatrice’s tenure as CEO, which began in February 2014, has been marked by significant growth, innovative program development, and an unwavering commitment to advancing behavioral health services throughout the state. His departure signals both the end of a transformative era and the beginning of an exciting new phase for the organization.
A Legacy of Leadership and Growth
Under Beatrice’s leadership, New Vista experienced remarkable expansion. The organization, which provides a broad range of behavioral health, substance use, and intellectual and developmental disability services, now operates more than 106 programs across 55 locations in Kentucky. These services are essential for the more than 25,000 children, adults, and families who rely on New Vista annually for support and care.
Perhaps most notably, Beatrice oversaw a significant increase in staffing during his tenure. The organization’s workforce grew by an impressive 53%, rising to more than 2,000 employees. This growth not only allowed New Vista to expand its services but also reinforced its position as a leading employer in the state’s behavioral health sector.
In a statement, Linda Watt, Chair of the New Vista Board of Directors, praised Beatrice’s lasting impact.
“New Vista is well-positioned for sustainability and future growth as the result of Paul’s dedication and innovative leadership,” Watt said. “We are grateful for the incredible strides made under his guidance.”
Advancing Behavioral Health in Kentucky
During his nearly decade-long tenure, Beatrice was known for his focus on program development, community collaboration, and forward-thinking strategies designed to address Kentucky’s growing behavioral health needs.
New Vista’s services span a wide range of areas, including:
- Mental Health Services: Outpatient therapy, psychiatric care, crisis stabilization, and peer support programs for children, adults, and families.
- Substance Use Treatment: Residential and outpatient treatment programs, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), prevention initiatives, and recovery support services.
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Services: Residential programs, case management, supported employment, and day services for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Beatrice’s leadership helped New Vista adapt to the evolving landscape of behavioral health care, particularly as the demand for services grew in the wake of the opioid epidemic and increasing awareness of mental health issues.
Throughout his career, Beatrice has been recognized for his passion for removing barriers to care and improving accessibility for underserved populations. His efforts to integrate mental health, substance use, and disability services into a cohesive continuum of care have become a model for other organizations across the state and region.
The Road Ahead: A Leadership Transition
With Beatrice’s retirement now official, New Vista has launched a national search for its next CEO. The organization is seeking a leader who can build on Beatrice’s legacy while bringing fresh ideas to address the complex and evolving needs of its clients.
While the search process unfolds, Beatrice has pledged to work closely with the executive team to ensure a smooth and effective transition.
“During this period of transition, I along with the executive team, will continue to do good work, create new programs, and live our mission,” Beatrice said.
The organization’s leadership has expressed confidence in its ability to maintain stability during this period of change. New Vista’s seasoned executive team, many of whom worked closely with Beatrice throughout his tenure, will continue to guide the organization’s day-to-day operations.
A Mission That Endures
Throughout his leadership, Beatrice often spoke of his deep commitment to New Vista’s mission: to provide hope and healing through quality behavioral health care, regardless of an individual’s ability to pay. That mission remains central to the organization’s work.
In recent years, New Vista has expanded its focus to address emerging issues in behavioral health, including:
- Telehealth Expansion: Increasing access to virtual care to serve individuals in rural and underserved areas.
- Opioid Crisis Response: Implementing new harm reduction and recovery programs aimed at reducing overdose deaths and supporting individuals with substance use disorders.
- Youth Mental Health: Launching programs specifically designed to support children and adolescents experiencing mental health challenges.
- Workforce Development: Partnering with educational institutions and state agencies to recruit and train the next generation of behavioral health professionals.
These initiatives reflect New Vista’s commitment to innovation and its responsiveness to the unique needs of Kentucky’s communities.
Community Reactions
News of Beatrice’s retirement prompted an outpouring of gratitude and well-wishes from community leaders, colleagues, and behavioral health advocates across the state.
“Paul Beatrice has been a transformative leader for New Vista and for the entire behavioral health community in Kentucky,” said one longtime partner organization representative. “His vision and dedication have improved the lives of countless individuals and families, and his legacy will continue to guide the organization for years to come.”
Many staff members also expressed their appreciation for Beatrice’s approachable leadership style and his willingness to collaborate with employees at all levels of the organization.
“Paul always listened to staff, valued our ideas, and encouraged us to think big about how we could better serve our clients,” one New Vista employee shared.
Looking to the Future
As New Vista looks ahead, the organization is poised for continued growth and impact. The combination of a strong leadership team, a clear mission, and a commitment to community partnerships positions the organization well for its next chapter.
In her statement, Board Chair Linda Watt emphasized the Board’s focus on selecting the right leader to guide New Vista into the future.
“We are committed to finding a CEO who shares Paul’s passion for behavioral health care and who will continue to build upon the strong foundation he has established,” Watt said.
For Beatrice, the retirement marks the conclusion of a distinguished career—but also the continuation of a lifelong dedication to improving lives.
“I am proud of all we have accomplished together at New Vista,” Beatrice said. “It has been an honor to serve this organization and to work alongside such talented and compassionate people. I look forward to seeing New Vista continue to thrive in the years ahead.”
Conclusion
Paul Beatrice’s retirement marks a significant moment in New Vista’s history—but it also serves as a reminder of the impact one leader can have on an entire community. Under his guidance, New Vista has grown into one of Kentucky’s most vital behavioral health organizations, providing hope and healing to tens of thousands of people every year.
As New Vista embarks on its search for a new CEO, the organization’s mission remains unchanged: to deliver exceptional behavioral health care with compassion, innovation, and integrity.
And with a strong foundation in place, the future looks bright for New Vista and the communities it serves.
