Spectrum Health Systems Names Kurt Isaacson as New President and CEO

WORCESTER, Mass.—April 26, 2016—Addiction treatment provider Spectrum Health Systems today announced that current chief operating officer Kurt A. Isaacson has been named its new president and chief executive officer effective July 1, 2016.

Isaacson will succeed retiring Spectrum president and CEO Charles “Chuck” J. Faris, who joined Spectrum in 1971 and led the organization through a period of significant evolution. Faris will move to a senior advisor role to facilitate a smooth leadership transition.

“I am honored to have been selected as Spectrum’s next president and CEO and look forward to continuing to work with the talented team of professionals here,” said Isaacson. “As the opiate addiction epidemic continues to impact so many lives we are committed to responding to the crisis by expanding access to treatment and providing the highest quality of care that sets individuals on the path to long-term recovery.”

Since joining the organization as chief operating officer in 2013, Isaacson has spearheaded numerous growth initiatives, including the opening of six new outpatient facilities over the past two and a half years, and two new residential treatment facilities, the New England Recovery Center and the Faris Recovery Center, both in Westborough. This year Spectrum is projected to report more than $70 million in revenue, its highest to date and a $10 million increase over 2015.

“Kurt’s 30 years of national healthcare experience combined with his unwavering commitment to the delivery of quality services make him the perfect choice to lead Spectrum,” said David Felper, chairman of the board of Spectrum.

Prior to joining Spectrum, Isaacson served as the CEO of two psychiatric hospitals in Mississippi and Indiana, as well as the senior vice president of operations for a behavioral healthcare system in Vermont, where he planned, developed and helped implement 12 new services.

“Kurt is a remarkable leader who has been responsible for a great portion of our success over the past three years," said Faris. "I'm very happy with the board's decision, and I'm confident Kurt will ensure that Spectrum continues to be at the forefront of substance abuse and mental health treatment. I look forward to remaining actively engaged with Spectrum, its partners and its clients, and supporting Kurt in his new role.”

Isaacson holds a master's degree in business administration from the University of New Haven and a bachelor's degree in health services administration from the University of Arizona.

About Spectrum Health Systems, Inc.

Based in Worcester, Massachusetts, Spectrum Health Systems, Inc. is a private, non-profit substance abuse and mental health treatment provider. Spectrum offers the largest and most complete continuum of addiction treatment in New England—including inpatient detoxification, residential rehabilitation, outpatient services, medication-assisted treatment and peer recovery support.

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