Chief Operating Officer

Taft Brown Associates has partnered with a growing multi-state behavioral healthcare organization. Organization provides substance abuse and mental health treatment services grounded in a mission of health and well-being for the communities it serves. The organization is committed to creating an environment where patients, families, and employees can thrive.

Why this COO Opportunity with this Organization

This is an opportunity for an experienced healthcare executive to join a mission-driven organization and play a significant role in shaping its next stage of growth and operational development — while keeping the focus on what matters most: high-quality treatment, hope, and the well-being of the communities served.

Seeking an experienced, strategic Chief Operating Officer to provide operational leadership across the organization and drive continued growth, quality, and performance of its behavioral health services.

As the COO you will work closely with the CEO and executive leadership team to translate strategic priorities into effective operational plans and measurable results — optimizing day-to-day operations, developing leadership, strengthening organizational infrastructure, and ensuring high-quality, patient-centered care.

The ideal candidate combines strong knowledge of substance abuse and mental health treatment with a track record leading complex, multi-site healthcare operations — a hands-on, collaborative executive who balances strategy with execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership and operational oversight across the organization's programs and facilities.
• Partner with the CEO and executive leadership team to develop and execute strategic initiatives supporting organizational growth.
• Establish operational goals, performance expectations, and accountability throughout the organization.
• Lead, develop, and empower operational leaders, building a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Evaluate and improve operational processes, systems, and workflows to enhance efficiency.
• Partner with clinical leadership to ensure operational decisions support high-quality, evidence-based, patient-centered treatment.
• Monitor key operational and financial metrics, using data to identify opportunities and drive performance.
• Work with finance leadership to develop and manage budgets and control costs without compromising quality.
• Ensure facilities operate in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations, licensing, and accreditation standards.
• Support a culture of regulatory compliance, risk management, patient safety, and ethical business practices.
• Identify opportunities for growth, program development, and expansion of services.
• Ensure appropriate staffing models and leadership structures are in place to support operational and clinical needs.
• Foster communication and collaboration across clinical, operations, HR, finance, admissions, and business development.
• Serve as a visible, engaged executive leader who builds trust across all levels of the organization.
• Represent organization with key external stakeholders and partners as appropriate.

First-Year Priorities

• Drive Operational Excellence

Create consistent, effective operating practices across the organization while maintaining flexibility to meet the needs of individual programs and communities.

Build a high-performing leadership team by setting clear expectations, developing talent, and empowering leaders to own results.

• Protect Quality and Patient Experience

Ensure operational performance never loses sight of the organization’s core purpose: helping individuals and families affected by substance abuse and mental health conditions.

• Build Accountability Through Data

Establish performance metrics and operating rhythms that provide visibility into organizational performance and drive timely action.

• Support Sustainable Growth

Identify and execute opportunities to expand services, improve programs, and strengthen the organization’s position in the behavioral health market.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, business administration, behavioral health, or related field required; Master’s preferred.
• Significant progressive leadership experience in behavioral health, substance abuse, mental health treatment, or related healthcare operations.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing multi-site or complex healthcare operations.
• Proven success leading senior leaders and building high-performing teams.
• Experience with regulatory compliance, licensing, accreditation, quality, and risk management.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, financial performance, and operational metrics.
• Experience leading organizational growth, operational improvement, or change initiatives.
• Strong business acumen balancing clinical, operational, financial, and strategic priorities.

Leadership Characteristics

• Mission-driven and genuinely committed to improving the lives of individuals affected by substance abuse and mental health conditions.
• Strategic but hands-on — equally effective in long-term planning and day-to-day execution.
• A culture builder who leads with compassion, integrity, transparency, and accountability.
• Adaptable and solutions-oriented, comfortable navigating change and complex operational challenges.
• Willing to challenge existing processes in pursuit of continuous improvement.