American Addiction Centers (AAC), a leading addiction treatment company based in Brentwood, Tennessee, has announced the appointment of Ellen-Jo Boschert as its new chief operating officer. Boschert’s appointment, effective October 17, marks a significant milestone for American Addiction Centers leadership, which has not had a COO since 2019. In her new role, Boschert will oversee patient care, strategic development, and the overall operational direction of the organization.
Boschert’s Background and Expertise
Dr. Tom Britton, CEO of AAC, praised Boschert’s extensive experience and dedication to patient care, stating, “Her impressive health care background and passion for patient care is unmatched. EJ’s expertise will be an invaluable addition to American Addiction Centers leadership and for the future of our company.”
Boschert brings over 30 years of leadership experience in multi-site, multi-state health care organizations. Most recently, she served as chief operating officer for Midwest Vision Partners LLC, a Chicago-based, private equity-backed eye care company operating more than 70 locations across five states. Her leadership there focused on optimizing operational efficiency and enhancing patient experiences—a focus she plans to carry over to her work at AAC.
Previous Leadership Roles
Prior to Midwest Vision Partners, Boschert held leadership positions at Colonial Management Group LP, also known as New Seasons, where she served as both chief operating officer and chief experience officer. There, she oversaw 78 offices across 22 states, managing operations and ensuring that patient care remained at the forefront of the company’s mission. Her extensive experience makes her an ideal fit for American Addiction Centers leadership as the organization continues to strengthen its operational strategies.
AAC’s Growth and Challenges
Founded in 2007, AAC now operates 12 locations in eight states, providing a range of inpatient, outpatient, and residential addiction treatment services. The company faced significant challenges in recent years, including a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in June 2020 due to $517.3 million in debt. A Delaware court approved AAC’s financial restructuring plan in October 2020, allowing the company to emerge with a renewed focus on patient care and operational efficiency.
The company’s previous COO, Michael Nanko, resigned in 2019, leaving a leadership gap that Boschert is now set to fill. Since that time, AAC has been led by Dr. Tom Britton, who became CEO in February after serving as the head of the Gateway Foundation, one of the largest non-profit addiction treatment providers in the U.S. Under Britton’s guidance, American Addiction Centers leadership has focused on operational turnaround, patient-centered care, and expanding access to treatment.
Boschert’s Vision for AAC
Boschert expressed her excitement about joining AAC and the opportunity to shape the company’s culture and operational strategies. “With my passion for employee engagement, I’m also looking forward to enhancing the company culture at AAC, which ultimately improves the patient care experience,” she said. “I consider it an honor to be a part of a team that’s transforming lives every day.” Her addition strengthens American Addiction Centers leadership at a critical time in the company’s growth.
Looking Ahead
As AAC moves forward, Boschert’s leadership will play a central role in shaping the company’s growth trajectory, enhancing the patient experience, and ensuring that American Addiction Centers leadership remains focused on delivering quality care across multiple states. Her appointment is expected to bring renewed energy and vision to the executive team, reinforcing the company’s commitment to excellence in addiction treatment.
With Boschert joining the team, American Addiction Centers leadership now has the operational expertise and strategic insight needed to continue expanding services, optimizing facilities, and leading the organization toward long-term success. AAC’s dedication to improving patient care and transforming lives underscores the critical role that strong leadership plays in achieving its mission.
Conclusion
Overall, the appointment of Ellen-Jo Boschert highlights the company’s ongoing commitment to strengthening American Addiction Centers leadership and ensuring a robust, patient-focused approach across all its locations. Her experience and passion for healthcare management make her a key asset in AAC’s journey forward.
