Acadia Healthcare Appoints Brian Farley as General Counsel to Support $5 Billion Revenue Goal

Acadia Healthcare, in a strategic move to strengthen its legal and corporate governance framework, has appointed Brian Farley as its General Counsel and Secretary, effective July 26, 2023. The company’s commitment to navigating the complexities of legal affairs within the rapidly changing mental health services landscape is underscored by this appointment. Farley’s extensive experience in healthcare law and corporate governance positions him as an invaluable asset to Acadia’s leadership team.

Brian Farley brings a wealth of knowledge to Acadia, having served as Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary for GoHealth, a leading player in the Medicare Advantage market. During his tenure at GoHealth, Farley played a crucial role in guiding the company through its initial public offering in 2020, overseeing key legal, regulatory, and compliance functions. Farley’s expertise is expected to serve him well at Acadia, where he will oversee a team of attorneys responsible for all aspects of the company’s legal affairs.

The transition at Acadia comes as the company plans to double its revenue from $2.6 billion to as much as $5 billion by 2028. CEO Chris Hunter has outlined a clear vision for growth, focusing on expanding facilities, launching joint ventures, and making strategic acquisitions. Farley’s legal acumen will play a critical role in achieving these ambitious goals, especially in navigating the complexities of mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance.

Prior to his pivotal role at GoHealth, Brian Farley held senior legal positions at Allscripts, where he oversaw legal and compliance matters for an electronic medical records provider. His diverse experience also includes key roles at Motorola Mobility, where he contributed to the company’s legal strategy during its $12.5 billion acquisition by Google. This varied background in both the healthcare and technology sectors equips Farley with a unique perspective on the complex legal challenges faced by companies in the rapidly evolving health services landscape.

Acadia Healthcare is known as the largest standalone provider of behavioral health services in the United States. The organization operates 250 facilities across 39 states and employs over 23,000 individuals. With a market capitalization of $7 billion, the company is well-positioned to lead in the provision of mental health services. Farley’s role as a strategic advisor to the executive team and the Board of Directors will be crucial in ensuring compliance and mitigating risks in an industry facing increasing scrutiny and regulatory challenges.

In a statement about his appointment, Farley expressed enthusiasm for joining Acadia, emphasizing the company’s mission to become the indispensable behavioral health provider for high-acuity and complex-need patient populations. As he takes over from Chris Howard, who is retiring after 12 years with the company, Farley plans to leverage his extensive experience to contribute to Acadia’s strategic initiatives and legal framework.

With plans for substantial growth on the horizon, Brian Farley’s leadership in legal affairs will be pivotal as Acadia Healthcare continues to position itself at the forefront of the behavioral health sector. His expertise and strategic approach are predicted to enhance the company’s market presence while ensuring robust legal compliance in an increasingly complex regulatory environment. As Acadia navigates its future, Brian Farley stands ready to guide the organization through the legal intricacies of its ambitious growth strategy.