Chris Hunter has been at the helm of Acadia Healthcare since April 2022, bringing a wealth of experience to the largest stand-alone behavioral health company in the United States. According to a press release from Acadia Healthcare, under his leadership, Acadia has expanded its network to 250 behavioral healthcare facilities across 39 states and Puerto Rico, employing approximately 23,000 staff who serve over 75,000 patients daily.
Before joining Acadia Healthcare, Chris Hunter held significant positions at Humana, where he was the President of the Group and Military business. This division reported revenues exceeding $7 billion and catered to nearly 20 million members. Hunter’s tenure at Humana also included roles as Chief Strategy Officer, where he was instrumental in guiding the company’s corporate strategy, mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships.
Acadia Healthcare has established a robust growth trajectory under Hunter’s leadership. As reported by the Nashville Business Journal, with a strategic focus on mergers and acquisitions, he aims to double the company’s revenue. While M&A has always been part of his growth strategy, Hunter emphasized that the priority remains on expanding existing facilities and establishing new ones. This multifaceted approach is designed to position Acadia as a leader in the fragmented behavioral healthcare industry.
Recently, Acadia Healthcare has made strides in expanding its Comprehensive Treatment Centers (CTCs), which provide outpatient medication-assisted treatment. In the last few weeks alone, the company successfully acquired two CTCs in North Carolina, rebranding them to enhance recognition and service delivery. This initiative aligns with Hunter’s vision to grow Acadia’s footprint in key markets effectively.
Hunter’s extensive background in healthcare management, coupled with his academic credentials—a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an MBA from the Harvard Business School—equips him well for leading Acadia Healthcare. His profile on F6S highlights his commitment to maintaining a patient-first ethos while ensuring that Acadia continues to deliver high-quality behavioral health services in a rapidly evolving landscape. As the company navigates future challenges and opportunities, Chris Hunter’s leadership will be pivotal in advancing its mission and enhancing its impact on the communities it serves.