Movers & Shakers: New CEOs at Odyssey, Bridgehaven

Odyssey hires new leader 

Odyssey Behavioral Healthcare has named a new CEO.

Richard Clark, an Acadia Healthcare (NASDAQ: ACHC) veteran who has served as president and COO at Odyssey since January 2020, stepped into the role last week. He takes over for Scott Kardenetz, who founded the Brentwood, Tennessee-based behavioral health company back in 2015.

“Richard’s leadership and commitment to Odyssey has been highly evident over the past 16 months,” Kardenetz said in a press release announcing the news. “I am confident that Odyssey will continue its mission and growth strategies by providing evidence-based, superior behavioral health services to those with complex psychiatric conditions under Richard’s leadership.”

Upon exiting the CEO position, Kardenetz stepped into Odyssey’s new executive chairman role, where he will continue to focus on the company’s strategic initiatives, acquisitions and long-term vision. (BHB recently connected with Kardenetz for its Inside the C-Suite series. You can find the article here.)

Financially backed by The Carlyle Group, Odyssey specializes in intensive residential behavioral health treatment to fill the gap between inpatient and outpatient care. It has a diversified platform of facilities, with more than 20 locations in eight states.

As CEO, Clark will amplify Odyssey’s expansion into new and existing markets through outpatient growth and expansion of payor relationships, according to the press release.

Bridgehaven names new CEO

Bridgehaven Mental Health Services — the longest-running outpatient behavioral health organization in Kentucky — has named Stewart Bridgman as its new president and CEO, effective July 1.

Bridgman will replace Ramona Johnson, who is retiring after 23 years with the company. He currently serves as Bridgehaven’s COO and has been with the company for more than 25 years. He was hired following a nationwide search.

National Council appoints new board member

The National Council for Mental Wellbeing — which recently changed its name from the National Council For Behavioral Health — has appointed a new board member.

Karin Jeffers will replace outgoing board member Tomas Jankowski and will represent the region that includes Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. 

Jeffers is currently the president and CEO of Clinical & Support Options (CSO), a Massachusetts-based behavioral health nonprofit. Since stepping into those roles in 2005, she grew the company from three locations and 90 employees to more 20 locations and more than 750 locations, according to BusinessWest.com.

Meanwhile, the National Council is a behavioral health trade association with more than 3,300 member organizations across the country.