Jaime Vinck named president of Meadows
Meadows Behavioral Healthcare announced Jaime Vinck, MC, LPC, has been named President. She will oversee and support all operations for the behavioral healthcare leader. This seasoned professional brings 20+ years of clinical and leadership experience gained from top roles at some of the best behavioral health providers in the country.
A leader in the behavioral health space for more than 45 years, MBH has a reputation for providing comprehensive treatment for trauma, substance use disorders, mental health issues, eating disorders, sex addiction, and more. In the past 18 months, MBH has increased its patient capacity by nearly 50%, adding new programs — including an acute program and an adolescent treatment center — and expanding existing programs. The company’s in-person and virtual outpatient options have also seen tremendous growth. Vinck’s leadership will help ensure MBH’s clinical excellence continues to keep pace as the company offers help to more people than ever before.
Vinck comes to MBH after serving as CEO of CPF Recovery Ways, where she provided leadership for the company’s operations in Utah, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, and Texas. She was also previously part of Acadia Healthcare, serving as CEO of The Sierra Tucson Group and Chief Clinical Officer/Chief Operations Officer, demonstrating her strength in clinical leadership, program development, and treatment operations. An industry advocate, Vinck serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP).
“Having the opportunity to be a part of MBH and to work alongside this talented team is an honor and privilege,” Vinck said of the new role, adding, “For two decades, I have been committed to providing high-quality, measurement-based, SUD and mental health treatment in Arizona and across the country. Meadows Behavioral Healthcare has always been the industry leader in quality and innovation, setting the bar for all of us.”
Recognized as a mentor to women in leadership positions within the industry, Vinck has been honored at the Licensed Professional Champion Women of Influence Awards sponsored by Inside Tucson Business, and in 2019 she was named one of Arizona’s Most Influential Women by AZ Business Magazine. She’s also regularly named one of the top leaders in Arizona in both healthcare and behavioral health.
Arizona’s Children Association appoints interim CEO
Arizona’s Children Association (AzCA) has appointed Tracy Thurston, Chief Program Officer and Senior Vice President as the new interim CEO following the departure of former CEO Jacob Schmitt.
Thurston brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to Arizona’s Children Association, having dedicated several years to enhancing and expanding the Association’s programs and services. Her leadership has been instrumental in driving the mission of the largest foster care provider in the state– to protect children, empower youth, and strengthen families.
“We are confident in Tracy’s ability to lead Arizona’s Children Association during this transition period,” said Gerald Smith, Sr., Board Chair. “Her extensive knowledge of our programs and her dedication to our mission make her the ideal choice to guide us forward and continue the legacy of 112 years of service to children and the families most in need of our services.”
Thurston has been with Arizona’s Children Association for over three years, during which time she has spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at improving the lives of children and families across Arizona. Her strategic vision and collaborative approach have earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues and the broader community.
Arizona’s Children Association is one of the oldest and largest child welfare non-profit agencies in Arizona, providing a comprehensive range of services such as foster care and adoption services, young adult services, family education, kinship services, Parents as Teachers Program, counseling and therapy Services, among other supportive programs. The programs and services target the type of future everyone wants to see: a future where every child has a safe and loving home and families are supported through difficult and trying circumstances.
For more information about Arizona’s Children Association, please visit www.arizonaschildren.org.
Dr. Bessel among Modern Healthcare’s 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives
Marjorie Bessel, MD, chief clinical officer at Banner Health, has been recognized as one of Modern Healthcare’s 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives for 2024. This marks the second time Dr. Bessel has been named to this elite group.
“Our 2024 honorees work in all corners of the industry at organizations of all sizes,” said Mary Ellen Podmolik, editor-in-chief of Modern Healthcare. “Yet they share a commitment to improving their organizations inside and out – building a stronger workforce, expanding access to care, and improving the bottom line. Our 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives also find time to be part of their communities – a crucial part of understanding patients’ needs and redefining healthcare.”
This national recognition honors clinicians in executive roles who are leading the way to better health through their executive responsibility, leadership qualities, innovation, community service, and achievements inside and outside their organizations.
Dr. Bessel has been instrumental in designing, leading and securing funding at Banner for initiatives to combat clinician burnout, a crucial issue in healthcare. Her Cultivating Happiness in Medicine program has led to Banner recently achieving the lowest reported Maslach Burnout Inventory scores in the nation – 7.6%, vs. the national average of 9.9%. In addition, the American Medical Association named Banner a Joy in Medicine Organization in 2023 for meeting their strict criteria for burnout assessment, organizational and leadership commitment, efficiency of practice environment, and teamwork.
“Among Dr. Bessel’s many accomplishments, her greatest achievement may be her impact on combating clinician burnout,” said Peter S. Fine, CEO of Banner Health. “She has worked tirelessly to improve the well-being of our clinical team members, helping to rebuild morale and satisfaction and renew their commitment to this field, after the enormous pressures of the pandemic and its after-effects.”
Additionally, Dr. Bessel is spearheading efforts to more fully achieve the characteristics of a High Reliability Organization, focusing on engineering and processes in 2023 and cultural factors in 2024. Her 2023 results included reducing overall length of stay by 0.4 days and reducing long hospital stays by 50%, which collectively produced $27.9 million in savings. She is also leading initiatives to improve care efficiency and quality, which produced notable reductions in 2023 mortality rates, including 10.5% decline in risk-adjusted mortality and improvements in expected and observed mortality.
This year’s 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives are profiled in the June 10, 2024, issue of Modern Healthcare and online at ModernHealthcare.com/50Most.
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