In July 2023, Brian Farley assumed the role of General Counsel and Secretary at Acadia Healthcare, a leading provider of mental health services in the United States (see Acadia senior executive team: ). This appointment comes at a pivotal time for Acadia, which has ambitious plans to double its revenue from $2.6 billion to as high as $5 billion by 2028. As Acadia seeks to expand its footprint in the behavioral health sector, Farley’s extensive legal background and strategic insights will be instrumental in navigating the complexities of the healthcare landscape.
Farley leads a team of attorneys responsible for all aspects of the company’s legal affairs. His role encompasses vital areas including securities law, corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, litigation, labor and employment, and regulatory compliance. This breadth of responsibility positions Farley as a key advisor to Acadia’s executive team and Board of Directors, ensuring that the company’s legal interests align with its growth objectives.
Prior to joining Acadia Healthcare, Brian Farley played a significant role at GoHealth, one of the largest publicly traded Medicare Advantage marketplaces. As Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary, he managed the company’s legal, regulatory, and compliance functions, and oversaw its successful initial public offering in 2020 — a move reported by Law.com (). His experience also includes leadership positions at Allscripts, Motorola Mobility, and Level 3 Communications, where he honed his expertise in the healthcare and technology sectors. For more on Farley’s professional background, see his LinkedIn (), Crunchbase profile (), and F6S member page ().
The decision to bring Farley on board comes as Acadia transitions from the tenure of Chris Howard, who has been a cornerstone in the company’s legal department for 12 years. Howard’s retirement marks a significant shift, but he will remain an advisor until February 2024 to facilitate a smooth transition for Farley.
Acadia Healthcare, headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee, stands as the largest stand-alone behavioral health provider in the nation, operating 250 facilities across 39 states and employing approximately 23,000 people. The company’s strong market capitalization of $7 billion underscores its integral role in addressing the growing demand for mental health services, especially in the wake of increased awareness around mental health issues.
The company’s growth strategy, articulated by CEO Chris Hunter, focuses on becoming the indispensable provider for high-acuity and complex-need patient populations. Acadia plans to achieve its revenue targets through the establishment of new facilities, strategic acquisitions, and technological investments. This vision aligns with the increasing recognition of mental health as a critical component of overall healthcare.
As Acadia Healthcare embarks on this ambitious growth journey, Brian Farley’s extensive legal expertise will undoubtedly serve as a cornerstone for the company’s strategic initiatives. His ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and corporate transactions will be crucial in implementing Acadia’s plans to expand its services and reach more patients in need.
In conclusion, Brian Farley’s appointment as General Counsel at Acadia Healthcare signals a proactive approach to legal and strategic challenges in the rapidly evolving healthcare sector. With a clear vision for growth and a commitment to excellence, Acadia is poised to enhance its position as a leader in behavioral health services under Farley’s guidance. As the demand for mental health services continues to rise, Acadia Healthcare’s efforts to expand will be closely watched by investors, healthcare professionals, and patients alike.