From Walgreens to Aetna to Acadia: Heather Dixon’s Rise to CFO of Leading Behavioral Health Provider

Heather Dixon has been appointed as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Acadia Healthcare, effective July 10, 2023, as stated in the company’s announcement. Her appointment follows the departure of David Duckworth, who stepped down after over a decade in the role. Dixon’s extensive experience in financial leadership across the healthcare sector makes her a valuable asset as Acadia continues to navigate its ambitious growth strategy, as highlighted in this report.

Acadia Healthcare, listed on NASDAQ as ACHC, is recognized as one of the leading providers of behavioral healthcare services across the United States. The company’s senior executive team operates a network of 250 facilities, with approximately 11,100 beds in 39 states and Puerto Rico.

Before joining Acadia, Heather Dixon served as CFO at Everside Health, where she was responsible for the strategic oversight of the company’s finances. You can learn more about her professional background on her LinkedIn profile.

Dixon’s prior roles include senior leadership positions at Walgreens Boots Alliance and Aetna, a subsidiary of CVS Health. Her broad experience across various entities in the healthcare ecosystem equips her with a deep understanding of financial management in complex environments.

The CEO of Acadia, Chris Hunter, expressed enthusiasm about Dixon’s addition to the team, emphasizing her proven track record in financial leadership within the healthcare industry.

In her statement, Heather Dixon highlighted her honor in being named CFO and emphasized her commitment to building on Acadia’s strong financial foundation.

Acadia Healthcare’s ongoing evolution has seen several leadership changes in recent years, reflecting its commitment to adapting and responding to the dynamic healthcare environment. This news was also reported by Market Screener.

As Heather Dixon steps into her role, her leadership is expected to guide Acadia Healthcare through its next phase of growth, reinforcing its position as the largest standalone behavioral health company in the United States.