CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (CEO) – METHODIST JENNIE EDMUNDSON BEHAVIORAL HEALTH HOSPITAL

Methodist Health System, the region’s most established not-for-profit provider, has partnered with Acadia Healthcare, the nation’s largest standalone behavioral health company, to open a new 96-bed inpatient behavioral health hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa. This marks Acadia’s first acute psychiatric facility in Iowa, expanding much-needed access to behavioral health services across Southwest Iowa and the Greater Omaha area. Just minutes from downtown Omaha, Council Bluffs blends small-town charm with city convenience—offering affordable living, great schools, and a strong sense of community—making it an ideal location for this important new facility.
Scheduled to open in early 2026, Methodist Jennie Edmundson Behavioral Health Hospital will offer a full continuum of inpatient and outpatient care for adults, seniors, and youth, including programs for mood disorders, dual diagnosis, geriatric psychiatry, child & adolescent care, PHP/IOP, and ECT. The facility will play a vital role in addressing the region’s significant behavioral health bed shortage.
We are seeking an experienced and visionary Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the launch and long-term operations of this flagship hospital. This is a unique opportunity to build a behavioral health hospital from the ground up—partnering with Nebraska Methodist, a trusted regional health system with a 130+ year legacy of excellence.

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, Public Health, Marketing, Clinical Discipline, or related discipline is required. A Master’s degree in health care administration, business administration, Clinical Discipline or related field is preferred.

Knowledge and Work Experience:

• Minimum of three to five years of experience in senior leadership or CEO role in a behavioral health, acute care, and/or managed care environment. Successful new hospital or treatment program tart up experience is highly preferred.
• Demonstrates thorough knowledge of facility administration and clinical operations. Experience in turning around an organization as well as the ability to direct crisis and inpatient behavioral health services.
• Must be able to manage multiple tasks/projects simultaneously within inflexible timeframes. Ability to adapt to frequent priority changes.
• Initiative-taking and self-directed with effective communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work professionally with sensitive, proprietary data & information while maintaining confidentiality.
• Excellent people skills including the ability to interact effectively and professionally with individuals at all levels; both internal and external and special emphasis on the Tufts Health system leaders, departments, and stakeholders.
• Self-motivated with strong organizational skills and superior attention to detail.
• Must be organized and work well under pressure while multi-tasking in a demanding environment; must be able to effectively react to emergencies.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws, rules and regulations governing mental health and addiction treatment inpatient services and related funding (CMS, Joint Commission, AHCA, DCS, HIPAA, 42 CFR). Strong knowledge of Joint Commission accreditation standards and the proven ability to lead successful licensure, accreditation, and compliance efforts in a behavioral health facility.
• Capable of working within established policies, procedures and practices prescribed by the organization.
• A transformational leader, well known and well respected, ideally with Hospital Administrator experience or in a similarly visible and effective leadership position.
• Strong financial acumen and business orientation with a working knowledge of fiscal management and business development processes.
• History of developing high-performing teams and creating followership.
• Experience working with HR to develop robust succession plans that identify, develop, and advance the next generation of leaders.
• English sufficient to provide and receive instructions/directions.

• Continually enhance the reputation of the organization within the community regarding mental health, addiction, treatment and recovery and broaden that community involvement.
• Earn the trust and establish credibility among the organization and facility leadership, the staff nurses, medical staff, and nursing leadership. It is essential that the Chief Executive Officer be visible and fully engaged within the hospital.
• Promote a foundation for, and a culture of diversity, equity, inclusiveness, transparency, and collaboration throughout facility and with the ECU Health partner. The end results will be high employee engagement, strong employee morale, as well as high patient, physician, and clinical staff satisfaction that are continuously improving.
• Continue to build a culture that is focused on performance improvement, quality, and service excellence as the organization strives to be the industry leader in mental health and addiction treatment.
• Further develop and refine a clear strategy such that the organization is seen as the voice for mental health, addiction, treatment, and recovery in the U.S.
  Qualifications: