Centerstone Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Centerstone has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, regional operations, clinical oversight, financial management, and marketing advocacy.

Committed to expanding access to behavioral healthcare, Centerstone delivers comprehensive mental health and substance use disorder treatment services while driving national policy improvements to enhance patient outcomes across diverse communities.

Leadership Roles at Centerstone

  • Chief Executive Officer - Kay Whittington
  • Chief Executive Officer (Florida) - Alicia Williams
  • Co-Chief Executive Officer - Ethan Karavani
  • Chief Financial Officer - Jennifer Gagnon
  • Chief Operating Officer - Roger Johnson
  • Chief Operating Officer, Centerstone Indiana at Adult and Child Health - Jessica Stembel
  • Regional Chief Operating Officer - Jennifer Thomason
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Johnel Reid
  • Chief Marketing Officer, Centerstone - Debbie Cagle
  • Chief Legal Officer - Tyler Roebke
  • Kay Whittington - Chief Executive Officer

    Kay Whittington, the Chief Executive Officer at Centerstone, directs the overarching strategic vision for this national nonprofit behavioral healthcare organization. Whittington architects long-term growth initiatives that integrate clinical care with research and policy advocacy to improve behavioral health outcomes. By overseeing the executive leadership team, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment across outpatient clinics, residential programs, and crisis care facilities. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships and driving organizational excellence to support nearly 110,000 individuals annually. Kay Whittington maintains a focus on scaling service delivery models to meet the evolving needs of children, adults, and veterans. Through rigorous oversight of clinical standards and operational efficiency, the Chief Executive Officer secures the financial and mission-driven sustainability of the organization. Ultimately, Whittington fosters a culture of innovation that positions the entity as a leader in the United States healthcare landscape.

    Alicia Williams - Chief Executive Officer (Florida)

    Alicia Williams, the Chief Executive Officer (Florida) at Centerstone, manages all behavioral health operations and service delivery across the Florida region. Williams architects localized treatment strategies that address specific mental health and substance use disorder needs within the state. By coordinating with regional clinical directors, the Chief Executive Officer (Florida) ensures that outpatient clinics and school-based services meet high standards of care. This leadership role involves expanding community partnerships and optimizing resource allocation to maximize patient impact. Alicia Williams drives regional growth by implementing telehealth solutions and crisis care protocols tailored to the Florida population. Through consistent monitoring of clinical outcomes and operational metrics, the Chief Executive Officer (Florida) maintains alignment with the broader national mission. Williams secures the operational integrity of the regional network, ensuring that every patient receives high-quality, accessible care within the competitive healthcare market.

    Ethan Karavani - Co-Chief Executive Officer

    Ethan Karavani, the Co-Chief Executive Officer at Centerstone, shares responsibility for the strategic direction and operational performance of the organization. Karavani architects collaborative frameworks that bridge clinical research with practical service delivery across the national network. By overseeing the integration of training programs and policy advocacy, the Co-Chief Executive Officer ensures that the organization remains at the forefront of behavioral healthcare innovation. This leadership role involves managing cross-functional teams to enhance the efficacy of residential programs and hospital services. Ethan Karavani drives initiatives that improve patient access and treatment quality for diverse populations, including veterans and families. Through strategic planning and resource management, the Co-Chief Executive Officer supports the expansion of service lines and the optimization of clinical workflows. Karavani maintains a focus on long-term sustainability, ensuring that the organization continues to deliver impactful care to nearly 110,000 people annually.

    Jennifer Gagnon - Chief Financial Officer

    Jennifer Gagnon, the Chief Financial Officer at Centerstone, manages the fiscal health and financial planning of the organization. Gagnon architects robust financial models that support the expansion of clinical services and research initiatives. By overseeing budgeting, revenue cycle management, and financial reporting, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the long-term viability of the nonprofit. This leadership role involves coordinating with the Board and executive team to allocate resources effectively across hospitals, clinics, and school-based programs. Jennifer Gagnon drives financial transparency and accountability, ensuring that all operations remain compliant with regulatory standards. Through strategic investment in infrastructure and technology, the Chief Financial Officer supports the organization's mission to provide high-quality behavioral healthcare. Gagnon secures the financial stability required to serve nearly 110,000 people annually, maintaining a focus on fiscal discipline while enabling the growth of critical treatment programs nationwide.

    Roger Johnson - Chief Operating Officer

    Roger Johnson, the Chief Operating Officer at Centerstone, manages the daily operational functions and infrastructure of the organization. Johnson architects scalable systems that support outpatient clinics, residential programs, and crisis care facilities nationwide. By overseeing administrative workflows and facility management, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that clinical teams possess the resources necessary for effective patient treatment. This leadership role involves optimizing operational efficiency to handle the high volume of individuals served annually. Roger Johnson drives process improvements that streamline service delivery and enhance the overall patient experience. Through rigorous oversight of operational metrics and resource utilization, the Chief Operating Officer maintains alignment with the strategic goals set by the executive team. Johnson secures the operational foundation of the organization, ensuring that all programs function effectively to meet the behavioral health needs of children, adults, and families across the United States.

    Jessica Stembel - Chief Operating Officer, Centerstone Indiana at Adult and Child Health

    Jessica Stembel, the Chief Operating Officer, Centerstone Indiana at Adult and Child Health at Centerstone, manages the operational delivery of behavioral health services within the Indiana market. Stembel architects localized service models that integrate mental health and substance use disorder treatment for children and families. By overseeing the daily operations of clinics and community-based programs, the Chief Operating Officer, Centerstone Indiana at Adult and Child Health ensures that care delivery meets the specific needs of the Indiana population. This leadership role involves managing staff performance and optimizing clinical workflows to improve patient outcomes. Jessica Stembel drives operational excellence by implementing efficient crisis care and outpatient protocols. Through consistent monitoring of regional performance metrics, the Chief Operating Officer, Centerstone Indiana at Adult and Child Health maintains alignment with the national organizational mission. Stembel secures the operational success of the Indiana division, ensuring high-quality care for the local community.

    Jennifer Thomason - Regional Chief Operating Officer

    Jennifer Thomason, the Regional Chief Operating Officer at Centerstone, manages the operational performance of multiple clinics and programs across a designated geographic region. Thomason architects regional strategies that streamline service delivery and improve access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment. By overseeing regional clinical directors and administrative staff, the Regional Chief Operating Officer ensures that all facilities adhere to high standards of care. This leadership role involves coordinating resources to support outpatient clinics, residential programs, and school-based services within the region. Jennifer Thomason drives operational efficiency by implementing standardized protocols and monitoring performance metrics. Through effective management of regional assets, the Regional Chief Operating Officer supports the broader organizational goal of improving behavioral health outcomes. Thomason secures the operational integrity of the region, ensuring that the organization effectively serves the needs of the local population while maintaining national quality standards.

    Johnel Reid - Chief Marketing Officer

    Johnel Reid, the Chief Marketing Officer at Centerstone, directs the brand strategy and public outreach initiatives for the organization. Reid architects communication campaigns that raise awareness about mental health and substance use disorder treatment services. By overseeing digital marketing, public relations, and community engagement, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that the organization effectively reaches those in need of care. This leadership role involves managing the public image and advocating for behavioral health policy changes at the national level. Johnel Reid drives growth by positioning the organization as a trusted provider for families, veterans, and individuals seeking support. Through data-driven marketing strategies, the Chief Marketing Officer enhances the visibility of outpatient clinics and telehealth services. Reid secures the reputation of the organization, ensuring that all messaging aligns with the core mission of improving behavioral health outcomes for the 110,000 people served annually.

    Debbie Cagle - Chief Marketing Officer, Centerstone

    Debbie Cagle, the Chief Marketing Officer, Centerstone at Centerstone, directs the strategic marketing and outreach efforts for the organization. Cagle architects comprehensive communication plans that highlight the breadth of behavioral healthcare services available to the public. By overseeing brand development and digital engagement, the Chief Marketing Officer, Centerstone ensures that the organization effectively communicates its mission to potential patients and community partners. This leadership role involves managing outreach programs that support the growth of residential and outpatient services. Debbie Cagle drives initiatives that increase public awareness of mental health resources and substance use disorder treatment. Through strategic partnerships and targeted messaging, the Chief Marketing Officer, Centerstone enhances the organization's presence in the healthcare market. Cagle secures the brand's reputation, ensuring that all outreach efforts reflect the commitment to improving behavioral health outcomes for the 110,000 individuals served annually.
    Tyler Roebke, the Chief Legal Officer at Centerstone, manages all legal affairs, regulatory compliance, and risk management for the organization. Roebke architects legal frameworks that protect the entity while enabling the delivery of behavioral healthcare services across multiple states. By overseeing contract negotiations, policy development, and litigation management, the Chief Legal Officer ensures that all clinical and administrative operations adhere to federal and state regulations. This leadership role involves advising the executive team and the Board on complex legal matters related to healthcare delivery and research. Tyler Roebke drives compliance initiatives that mitigate risk and support the organization's mission. Through proactive legal strategy, the Chief Legal Officer secures the operational environment, allowing clinical teams to focus on patient care. Roebke maintains a focus on regulatory excellence, ensuring that the organization operates within the legal boundaries necessary to serve 110,000 people annually.
    Tyler Roebke

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Centerstone Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Centerstone?
    Centerstone is led by Kay Whittington (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Alicia Williams (Chief Executive Officer (Florida)) and Ethan Karavani (Co-Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of Centerstone’s executive team?
    The executive team of Centerstone includes leaders such as Kay Whittington (Chief Executive Officer), Alicia Williams (Chief Executive Officer (Florida)), Ethan Karavani (Co-Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Centerstone have?
    Centerstone has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Centerstone’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Centerstone includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer (Florida), Co-Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer.