Chris Hunter at the Helm of Acadia Healthcare: Transforming Behavioral Health Services
Since April 2022, Chris Hunter has taken the reins as the Chief Executive Officer of Acadia Healthcare, the largest stand-alone behavioral health company in the United States. Under his leadership, Acadia operates a robust network of over 250 behavioral healthcare facilities across 39 states and Puerto Rico, employing approximately 23,000 individuals and providing care to more than 75,000 patients daily.
Before his appointment at Acadia Healthcare, Hunter amassed significant experience in the healthcare sector. He previously served as President of the Group and Military business at Humana, where he drove growth strategies for a $7 billion revenue business, overseeing nearly 20 million members across 45 states. His tenure at Humana also included roles as Chief Strategy Officer, where he managed corporate strategy and led merger and acquisition initiatives, further enriching his expertise in the healthcare arena.
Acadia Healthcare aims to expand its influence in the behavioral health sector, and Hunter’s strategic vision includes a dual approach of organic growth through facility expansions and targeted mergers and acquisitions. He recognizes the fragmented nature of the industry, emphasizing Acadia’s role as an acquirer of choice in a challenging operating environment. His recent discussions have highlighted a robust pipeline of potential acquisitions, indicating a clear trajectory for growth.
In 2023, Acadia Healthcare successfully expanded its Comprehensive Treatment Centers (CTCs) in North Carolina, acquiring two facilities previously under Sellati & Co. Inc. These CTCs are critical to Acadia’s growth strategy, generating 17% of the organization’s revenue while providing outpatient medication-assisted treatment and other essential services. Hunter’s commitment to expanding CTCs aligns with the company’s goal to add 14 more locations by the end of 2024.
As Acadia Healthcare continues to navigate the evolving landscape of behavioral health, Chris Hunter’s leadership underscores a patient-first approach. His extensive background in health management and corporate strategy positions him to effectively steer the company toward achieving its ambitious objectives, reinforcing its status as a leading provider of behavioral healthcare services in the United States.