Former GoHealth Legal Chief Brian Farley Joins Acadia Healthcare as General Counsel and Secretary
Brian Farley has recently assumed the role of General Counsel and Secretary at Acadia Healthcare, a leading provider of mental health services in the United States. Joining the organization in July 2023, Farley is tasked with overseeing a team of attorneys who manage various aspects of Acadia’s legal framework. His responsibilities encompass a broad spectrum, including securities law, corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, litigation, labor and employment, as well as ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory standards.
Farley’s extensive background in the healthcare sector uniquely positions him to guide Acadia through its ambitious growth trajectory. His previous role as Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary at GoHealth involved leading the company’s legal, regulatory, compliance, and cybersecurity functions. Notably, he played a pivotal role in the successful launch of GoHealth’s initial public offering in 2020. This experience has equipped him with insights and strategies that will be invaluable as Acadia seeks to double its revenue by 2028.
Prior to his tenure at GoHealth, Farley held senior legal positions at Allscripts, a prominent electronic medical records provider, and Motorola Mobility, a mobile phone manufacturer. His wealth of experience in high-stakes legal environments will serve Acadia well as it aims to solidify its status as the largest stand-alone behavioral health company in the nation, boasting 23,000 employees and 250 healthcare facilities across 39 states. Additional professional information is available on his F6S profile: https://www.f6s.com/member/brian-farley.
Acadia Healthcare has ambitious plans to expand its operations significantly within the next few years. The company aims to grow its annual revenue from $2.6 billion to as much as $5 billion by the end of 2028. CEO Chris Hunter articulated the strategic vision during an investor day in December, emphasizing the goal of becoming the indispensable provider for high-acuity and complex-need patient populations. This strategy is underpinned by plans to develop new facilities, establish joint ventures, pursue acquisitions, and invest in cutting-edge technology.
The appointment of Brian Farley as General Counsel is seen as a strategic move, particularly following the retirement of Chris Howard, who held the position for 12 years. Howard will remain available as an adviser until February 2024, ensuring a smooth transition period for Farley and the organization. The combination of Farley’s legal acumen and Acadia’s growth strategy positions the company favorably in a competitive landscape, where the demand for mental health services continues to rise.
As Acadia Healthcare navigates this transformative phase, the leadership of Brian Farley will be crucial in addressing the complex legal challenges that accompany such rapid expansion. His expertise in corporate governance and compliance will be essential in maintaining the integrity of the organization while pursuing its ambitious goals. The future looks promising for Acadia, with Farley at the helm of its legal team, guiding the company as it strives to fulfill its mission of becoming a leader in behavioral health services across the nation.