Heather Dixon Appointed CFO at Acadia Healthcare as Company Eyes Major Expansion
In a significant development for Acadia Healthcare Company, Heather Dixon has been appointed as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), a move effective from July 10, 2023. Dixon’s extensive background in finance, especially within the healthcare sector, positions her uniquely to lead Acadia as it navigates its long-term growth strategy. She takes over from David Duckworth, who has held the position for over a decade and will assist with the transition in an advisory role.
Dixon’s arrival at Acadia comes with a wealth of experience garnered from her previous role as CFO at Everside Health, a prominent provider of primary and mental health care. In her tenure at Everside, she provided strategic oversight for the company’s financial operations, helping to steer growth for its 385 health centers spread across 34 states. Her prowess extends beyond mere finance; Dixon has demonstrated a commitment to innovation in healthcare, a trait that will be pivotal as Acadia seeks to expand its reach and services.
Before her time at Everside Health, Dixon held significant leadership roles within industry giants such as Walgreens Boots Alliance and Aetna, both of which are known for their expansive operations in the healthcare domain. At Walgreens, she served as the Senior Vice President, Global Controller, and Chief Accounting Officer, where her leadership directly impacted the company’s financial governance. Meanwhile, at Aetna, a subsidiary of CVS Health, she executed her role as Vice President, Controller, and Chief Accounting Officer with a focus on enhancing financial transparency and efficiency.
Chris Hunter, CEO of Acadia, expressed enthusiasm about Dixon’s appointment, stating, “The Board and I are thrilled to welcome Heather and believe her depth of experience and financial and business acumen make her a strong addition to the Acadia team.” This sentiment underscores the strategic direction Acadia is headed toward, particularly as the company aims to diversify its services and enhance its operational capacities to meet the growing demand for behavioral healthcare.
Acadia itself stands as a leader in the field, operating a network of 250 behavioral health facilities with approximately 11,100 beds across 39 states and Puerto Rico. The company is renowned for its commitment to providing quality mental health and substance abuse treatment, serving over 75,000 patients daily. With Dixon at the helm of financial strategies, Acadia is poised to capitalize on its market position and further extend its care services.
In her statement, Dixon remarked on her honor to assume the CFO role, emphasizing her commitment to building on Acadia’s strong financial foundation. “I look forward to working with Chris and the rest of the leadership team to ensure that we remain well positioned to create value for all our stakeholders while fulfilling our commitment to helping more patients and families in need,” she stated.
The leadership transitions at Acadia Healthcare also reflect a broader strategic initiative to enhance the company’s operational framework. Alongside Dixon’s appointment, Tim Sides has been promoted to Senior Vice President Operations Finance, following the retirement of Executive Vice President, Finance, Larry Harrod. This restructuring indicates a robust approach to fortifying Acadia’s financial and operational leadership, all aimed at achieving its ambitious plans to double revenue by 2028.
As Heather Dixon steps into her new role, the healthcare community will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how her leadership influences Acadia’s trajectory in the ever-evolving landscape of behavioral health services.