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Acadia Healthcare, a leading provider in the behavioral healthcare sector, has seen a significant leadership shift with the appointment of Chris Hunter as its new Chief Executive Officer. The announcement, made on April 1, 2022, marks a pivotal moment for the organization as it aims to expand its services to meet the growing behavioral health needs of millions of Americans.

Hunter, who will officially take the helm on April 11, 2022, brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles at prominent healthcare organizations, including Humana, TriZetto, and BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. His extensive background in healthcare and executive leadership positions him as a strong fit to guide Acadia through its next phase of growth. He succeeds Debbie Osteen, who has led the company since December 2018 and has been instrumental in its expansion and success.

The Chairman of Acadia’s Board of Directors, Reeve B. Waud, expressed confidence in Hunter’s leadership capabilities. He highlighted Hunter’s proven track record in innovative growth within the healthcare sector, asserting that Hunter possesses the right combination of skills to further Acadia’s strategic growth plans. Waud stated, “Chris brings the right combination of skills and expertise to lead Acadia as we continue to extend our market reach to meet the behavioral health needs of millions of Americans.”

Acadia Healthcare operates a vast network of behavioral healthcare facilities across the United States, managing 238 facilities with approximately 10,500 beds in 40 states and Puerto Rico. With over 22,500 employees serving around 70,000 patients each day, Acadia stands as the largest stand-alone behavioral health company in the nation. The organization is dedicated to delivering high-quality care, focusing on patient needs while also prioritizing employee satisfaction and shareholder returns.

Before joining Acadia, Hunter served as President of Humana’s Group, Military & Specialty Segment, where he oversaw three business units generating about $7 billion in revenue and serving 20 million members across 45 states. His prior experience as Humana’s Chief Strategy Officer, responsible for corporate strategy and mergers and acquisitions, provides him with a robust foundation to navigate the complexities of the healthcare landscape.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Hunter remarked, “This is an incredible honor, and I am excited to join such a strong, respected organization that is addressing a critical societal need at a pivotal time for our country.” He emphasized the importance of building on the successful trajectory established by his predecessor, seeking to enhance Acadia’s commitment to providing essential behavioral healthcare services.

Acadia Healthcare has ambitious plans for future growth, aiming to add 600 new beds in 2022 through a combination of mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and new facility developments. The company has already demonstrated resilience, posting $2.3 billion in revenue in 2021 and bouncing back from a significant loss the previous year, as reported by bhbusiness.

As Chris Hunter steps into the role of CEO, the future looks promising for Acadia Healthcare. With an experienced team at his side and a clear vision for the company’s growth, Hunter is poised to lead Acadia in fulfilling its mission to address the critical behavioral health needs of individuals across the nation, solidifying its status as a leader in the industry.

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