R. David Kelly Adds Children’s Health Philanthropic Experience to Acadia Healthcare Board

R. David Kelly’s appointment to the Acadia Healthcare board in June 2022 brought philanthropic leadership in children’s healthcare to the company’s governance structure. Kelly serves on the Children’s Medical Center Plano Governing Board and participates in Children’s Health Investment and Finance committees, contributing to the leading pediatric health system in North Texas. This involvement aligns with Acadia Healthcare’s operation of nine residential treatment centers for children and adolescents.

Children’s Health operates multiple hospital campuses and outpatient locations serving young patients throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth region. Kelly’s governance work with the organization provides understanding of pediatric healthcare delivery challenges, regulatory requirements for treating minors, and quality standards specific to youth services. These insights transfer to Acadia Healthcare’s oversight of behavioral health facilities serving children and adolescents facing mental health challenges.

Acadia Healthcare chairman Reeve B. Waud specifically cited Kelly’s philanthropic support of children’s health programs when announcing the board appointment. The behavioral health provider faces ongoing scrutiny regarding youth services, making board members with pediatric healthcare expertise increasingly relevant for governance oversight. Kelly’s connection to Children’s Health provides exposure to best practices in child safety, family engagement, and age-appropriate care delivery.

Beyond healthcare governance, Kelly serves on the Advisory Board of Sponsors for Educational Opportunity, demonstrating commitment to education access and youth development. This philanthropic focus complements Acadia Healthcare’s mission serving adolescents with behavioral health needs, where educational programming often integrates with clinical treatment.

The intersection of mental health services and pediatric healthcare continues gaining policy attention, with increased recognition that early intervention improves long-term outcomes. Kelly’s dual perspective from Children’s Health governance and Acadia Healthcare board service positions him to contribute insights on integrated approaches to physical and behavioral health for young patients.

Kelly’s background includes over 35 years in financial advisory and real estate development, providing technical expertise for facility planning alongside his children’s healthcare philanthropic work. His service on Children’s Health finance and investment committees demonstrates ability to balance mission-driven healthcare delivery with financial sustainability—a challenge facing behavioral health providers nationwide as demand for youth services increases while reimbursement pressures intensify.