Acadia Healthcare Appoints Todd Young as CFO to Strengthen Strategy and Drive Growth
Acadia Healthcare appoints experienced CFO Todd Young to lead financial strategy, strengthen governance, and drive long-term growth across its behavioral healthcare network.
Acadia Healthcare has announced the appointment of Todd Young as its new Chief Financial Officer, effective October 27, in a strategic move aimed at bolstering operational efficiency, governance, and long-term growth.
The decision comes at a pivotal time for the company, which has been navigating calls for operational and strategic improvements from activist investors while striving to maintain its position as a leading provider of behavioral healthcare services in the United States.
Todd Young brings a wealth of experience to Acadia, having served as CFO at Elanco Animal Health since 2018. During his tenure at Elanco, Young played a key role in shaping the company’s strategy following its separation from Eli Lilly, helping to streamline operations and enhance financial management.
His leadership in guiding complex corporate transitions and driving disciplined capital allocation positions him well to support Acadia’s ambitions to optimize its operations and deliver sustainable growth.
The appointment aligns with Acadia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its corporate governance and improve operational performance. Over the past year, the company has faced growing pressure from two of its largest shareholders — Khrom Capital and Engine Capital — who collectively hold more than 8% of the company’s shares.
Khrom Capital, with a 5.5% stake, recently called for a strategic review of the company, including potential asset sales, citing the need to address long-term underperformance and governance gaps.
Engine Capital, which owns approximately 3% of Acadia, has also advocated for operational changes, targeted asset management, and a refresh of the board with directors experienced in behavioral health and capital allocation.
By bringing in Todd Young, Acadia demonstrates its commitment to proactively addressing these investor concerns while maintaining a positive growth trajectory.
Young’s expertise in managing complex financial operations and strategic planning is expected to help the company improve capital efficiency, streamline decision-making, and enhance shareholder value. Analysts and market observers note that his appointment is a clear signal that Acadia is focused on long-term value creation and operational excellence.
Acadia Healthcare operates a network of behavioral healthcare facilities across the U.S., providing inpatient, outpatient, and residential services.
The company has consistently aimed to expand access to care and deliver high-quality services to communities in need. With Young at the helm of financial operations, Acadia is well-positioned to continue this mission while optimizing resource allocation and strengthening its financial performance.
Shares in Acadia have faced challenges this year, declining 31% and underperforming some of its healthcare peers. However, the market response to Young’s appointment has been cautiously optimistic, as investors recognize the potential for enhanced governance, operational efficiency, and long-term growth.
Todd Young’s proven track record of success in large-scale corporate finance and strategic planning is expected to instill confidence among stakeholders and support the company’s efforts to regain momentum in the market.
Beyond financial and strategic expertise, Young is expected to play a crucial role in supporting Acadia’s broader corporate initiatives, including the integration of new technologies, optimization of operational workflows, and implementation of best practices across its facilities.
His leadership will be instrumental in helping Acadia navigate the evolving behavioral healthcare landscape, which is seeing increased demand for services, regulatory changes, and growing expectations for quality care delivery.
CEO Christopher Hunter highlighted the significance of Young’s appointment, stating that the new CFO will be essential in driving operational efficiency and expanding access to care.
Hunter emphasized that Young’s deep experience in strategic finance and operational leadership makes him a perfect fit for Acadia’s ongoing growth plans. The company is confident that this leadership addition will reinforce its commitment to patients, communities, and investors alike.
With Todd Young joining the team, Acadia Healthcare is well-positioned to tackle challenges, implement strategic initiatives, and strengthen its market position. The company’s proactive approach in enhancing governance, addressing investor feedback, and optimizing operations sets a strong foundation for future growth.
The combination of Young’s financial acumen and Acadia’s operational expertise is expected to create a roadmap for sustained success in the behavioral healthcare sector.
