Acadia Healthcare welcomes a seasoned financial leader as it advances an ambitious growth agenda. Heather Dixon, Acadia Healthcare’s newly appointed chief financial officer, brings deep payer, provider and pharmacy experience that aligns with the company’s strategy to diversify services and expand capacity across its national network.
Effective July 10, 2023, Dixon succeeded David Duckworth, who will support a smooth transition in an advisory capacity after more than a decade as CFO. Her arrival underscores Acadia Healthcare’s commitment to strong financial stewardship while executing a long-term plan to meet growing demand for behavioral health services.
Dixon joins Acadia from Everside Health, where she served as CFO of a large direct primary and mental health care provider overseeing 385 health centers in 34 states. Her prior roles include senior vice president, global controller and chief accounting officer at Walgreens Boots Alliance, and vice president, controller and chief accounting officer at Aetna. That breadth of leadership across healthcare sectors positions her to help Acadia scale responsibly and capture new opportunities.
Chris Hunter, Acadia’s CEO, praised Dixon’s financial and business acumen as a valuable complement to the company’s momentum. Under current leadership, Acadia Healthcare is advancing five key elements of its growth plan, aiming to diversify revenue streams and double revenue by 2028. In 2023 alone, the company planned to add hundreds of beds through new builds, joint ventures and expansions, reflecting an assertive but measured expansion approach.
As the largest standalone behavioral healthcare provider in the United States, Acadia operates roughly 250 facilities with about 11,100 beds across 39 states, serving tens of thousands of patients daily. Dixon has expressed enthusiasm for partnering with the executive team to create stakeholder value while reinforcing Acadia’s mission to help patients and families in need.
With an experienced finance team and seasoned operational leaders stepping into expanded roles, Acadia Healthcare is well positioned for its next chapter. The appointment of Heather Dixon is a joyful milestone in that journey, signaling financial rigor and strategic focus as the company pursues sustainable growth and enhanced care delivery nationwide.
Related coverage and sources:
– BH Business: Acadia names Walgreens, Aetna vet Heather Dixon its next CFO
– Acadia Healthcare press release: Acadia appoints new chief financial officer
– Addus HomeCare: Heather Dixon named president and chief operating officer
– Home Health Care News: Addus HomeCare appoints Heather Dixon as new president & COO