Legal Leadership Transition at Acadia: New General Counsel to Navigate Revenue Doubling Plan
In a strategic move to bolster its legal framework, Acadia Healthcare has appointed Brian Farley as General Counsel and Secretary, effective July 26, 2023. Farley, whose professional profile can be viewed on LinkedIn, joins Acadia from GoHealth, where he held the position of Chief Legal Officer since June 2020. His extensive experience in the healthcare sector positions him uniquely to guide Acadia through its ambitious growth plans, which aim to double revenue by 2028.
As General Counsel, Brian Farley will oversee a team of attorneys managing the organization’s legal affairs, including securities law, corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, and compliance. His role also extends to providing strategic advice to Acadia’s executive team and Board of Directors, ensuring that the company remains compliant with ever-evolving regulations within the healthcare landscape.
Acadia Healthcare, headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee, is recognized as the largest stand-alone behavioral health provider in the United States. With a market capitalization of $7 billion, the company operates around 250 healthcare facilities across 39 states and employs approximately 23,000 individuals. Under Farley’s legal stewardship, Acadia is set to embark on an aggressive expansion strategy aimed at increasing annual revenue from $2.6 billion to as much as $5 billion by 2028. This ambitious growth initiative will be supported by the establishment of new facilities, potential joint ventures, acquisitions, and substantial investments in technology.
Farley’s transition to Acadia, documented in detail on Crunchbase, marks a significant chapter in his career, which has been characterized by leadership roles in various healthcare companies. Prior to his tenure at GoHealth, he served as General Counsel at Allscripts, an electronic medical records provider. His experience also includes a notable stint at Motorola Mobility, where he was involved in legal affairs during the company’s sale to Google for $12.5 billion.
As reported by Law.com, Chris Howard, the outgoing General Counsel, is retiring after 12 years at Acadia. He will remain available as an adviser until February 2024 to ensure a seamless transition for Farley. Howard’s extensive experience has laid a robust foundation for Farley to build upon, and his presence during the transition period is expected to facilitate continuity in legal operations.
Farley’s academic credentials complement his professional experience. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Economics from Colorado College, a Juris Doctor from The George Washington University National Law Center, and an Executive Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Colorado. This solid educational background, as covered by Bizjournals, equips him with a comprehensive understanding of both legal and business frameworks, enhancing his ability to contribute to Acadia’s objectives.
As Acadia positions itself as a leader in behavioral health services, Brian Farley’s appointment signals the company’s commitment to legal excellence and strategic growth. With his proven track record in the healthcare sector and a clear vision for the future, Farley is poised to play a pivotal role in navigating the complexities of the legal landscape while contributing to Acadia’s mission of becoming the indispensable provider for high-acuity and complex-need patient populations. The coming years will undoubtedly reveal how Farley’s legal expertise will enable Acadia to realize its ambitious goals and cement its status as a leader in mental health services.
