Summit BHC Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Summit BHC has 10 executives leading key functions including corporate strategy, regional market operations, facility management, and financial oversight.

Committed to excellence in psychiatric care, Summit BHC delivers comprehensive addiction treatment services across a national network of 32 specialized facilities to improve patient outcomes.

Leadership Roles at Summit BHC

  • Chief Executive Officer - Karen Baird
  • Market Chief Executive Officer (Iowa) - Adam Curl
  • Chief Executive Officer, At Palms Behavioral Health - Cynthia Mendoza
  • Chief Executive Officer, Victory Addiction Recovery Center - Winford Amos
  • Chief Executive Officer, Facility - Andrea McShane
  • Market Chief Executive Officer - Taline Meredith
  • Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Nichole Moore
  • Market Chief Executive Officer - Amy Cooper
  • Chief Financial Officer - Jason Chautin
  • Chief Operating Officer - Brian Walton
  • Karen Baird - Chief Executive Officer

    Karen Baird, the Chief Executive Officer at Summit BHC, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire network of behavioral health hospitals. Overseeing the expansion of addiction treatment services across 19 states, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that every facility maintains high standards of clinical excellence and operational efficiency. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to align corporate growth with the evolving needs of the behavioral healthcare sector. By optimizing the continuum of care, Karen Baird directly impacts the quality of life for patients seeking recovery. Ultimately, Baird secures the long-term stability of the organization through disciplined resource allocation and a focus on patient-centered outcomes across the national footprint.

    Adam Curl - Market Chief Executive Officer (Iowa)

    Adam Curl, the Market Chief Executive Officer (Iowa) at Summit BHC, manages all clinical and administrative operations within the regional Iowa market. Overseeing the integration of psychiatric services, the Market Chief Executive Officer (Iowa) ensures that local facilities meet the specific needs of the community while adhering to national quality benchmarks. This leadership role involves coordinating with regional healthcare providers to expand access to substance use disorder treatment. By streamlining internal processes, Adam Curl directly impacts the operational success of the Iowa network. Ultimately, Curl drives regional growth by fostering a culture of clinical excellence and maintaining strong relationships with local stakeholders to support the broader mission of the organization.

    Cynthia Mendoza - Chief Executive Officer, At Palms Behavioral Health

    Cynthia Mendoza, the Chief Executive Officer, At Palms Behavioral Health at Summit BHC, directs the daily operations and clinical programming at this specific facility. Overseeing the delivery of psychiatric care, the Chief Executive Officer, At Palms Behavioral Health ensures that all treatment protocols align with the company's high standards for addiction recovery. This leadership role involves managing facility staff and optimizing patient intake procedures to maximize capacity and care quality. By implementing evidence-based practices, Cynthia Mendoza directly impacts the recovery success rates at the facility. Ultimately, Mendoza maintains the reputation of the center as a premier destination for behavioral health services within the broader Summit BHC network through consistent operational rigor and compassionate patient management.

    Winford Amos - Chief Executive Officer, Victory Addiction Recovery Center

    Winford Amos, the Chief Executive Officer, Victory Addiction Recovery Center at Summit BHC, manages the specialized addiction treatment programs offered at this location. Overseeing the clinical team, the Chief Executive Officer, Victory Addiction Recovery Center ensures that all substance use disorder services remain effective and accessible to the community. This leadership role involves refining treatment modalities and managing the facility budget to ensure long-term sustainability. By focusing on patient outcomes, Winford Amos directly impacts the success of individuals navigating the recovery process. Ultimately, Amos drives the mission of the center by maintaining a supportive environment that fosters healing and long-term sobriety, contributing significantly to the overall success of the national network.

    Andrea McShane - Chief Executive Officer, Facility

    Andrea McShane, the Chief Executive Officer, Facility at Summit BHC, directs the administrative and clinical operations of the assigned behavioral health center. Overseeing the daily management of the facility, the Chief Executive Officer, Facility ensures that all psychiatric services meet the rigorous standards set by the corporate office. This leadership role involves coordinating with multidisciplinary teams to improve patient care pathways and operational throughput. By optimizing facility resources, Andrea McShane directly impacts the efficiency and effectiveness of the treatment programs provided. Ultimately, McShane supports the broader organizational goals by maintaining a high-performing facility that delivers consistent, high-quality care to patients struggling with mental health and substance use disorders.

    Taline Meredith - Market Chief Executive Officer

    Taline Meredith, the Market Chief Executive Officer at Summit BHC, oversees the strategic operations of multiple behavioral health facilities within a designated geographic market. Directing the regional growth strategy, the Market Chief Executive Officer ensures that all facilities under this purview maintain alignment with the company's mission of providing comprehensive psychiatric care. This leadership role involves managing regional performance metrics and ensuring that each facility operates at peak efficiency. By fostering collaboration between facility leaders, Taline Meredith directly impacts the consistency of care across the market. Ultimately, Meredith drives regional expansion and operational excellence, ensuring that the organization remains a leader in the behavioral healthcare industry through proactive management and strategic oversight.

    Nichole Moore - Deputy Chief Executive Officer

    Nichole Moore, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Summit BHC, supports the executive team in executing the company's national strategy for behavioral health services. Overseeing cross-functional initiatives, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer ensures that operational policies are implemented consistently across all 32 facilities. This leadership role involves analyzing performance data to identify areas for improvement and coordinating with facility leaders to drive efficiency. By streamlining corporate-to-facility communication, Nichole Moore directly impacts the agility of the organization. Ultimately, Moore strengthens the operational foundation of the company, allowing the network to scale effectively while maintaining the high quality of care that defines the organization's reputation in the behavioral healthcare market.

    Amy Cooper - Market Chief Executive Officer

    Amy Cooper, the Market Chief Executive Officer at Summit BHC, manages the operational performance and clinical standards for a cluster of behavioral health hospitals. Overseeing the implementation of corporate initiatives, the Market Chief Executive Officer ensures that each facility within the market delivers high-quality psychiatric and addiction treatment. This leadership role involves mentoring facility leaders and optimizing regional resource allocation to support patient care. By focusing on market-wide performance, Amy Cooper directly impacts the overall growth and stability of the organization. Ultimately, Cooper drives the success of the regional network by maintaining a focus on clinical excellence and operational efficiency, ensuring that the company continues to meet the needs of patients across the country.

    Jason Chautin - Chief Financial Officer

    Jason Chautin, the Chief Financial Officer at Summit BHC, directs the financial strategy and fiscal health of the organization. Overseeing the budgeting, revenue cycle management, and capital investment planning, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the company maintains the resources necessary to support its 32 behavioral health facilities. This leadership role involves collaborating with the executive team to evaluate growth opportunities and ensure the long-term sustainability of the business model. By implementing rigorous financial controls, Jason Chautin directly impacts the ability of the company to invest in new clinical technologies and facility expansions. Ultimately, Chautin secures the financial future of the organization, providing the stability required to deliver high-quality psychiatric and addiction treatment services nationwide.

    Brian Walton - Chief Operating Officer

    Brian Walton, the Chief Operating Officer at Summit BHC, directs the day-to-day operational activities across the entire national network of 32 facilities. Overseeing the integration of clinical and administrative functions, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that all hospitals and treatment centers operate with maximum efficiency. This leadership role involves standardizing operational protocols to maintain high quality of care while managing the complexities of a multi-state healthcare organization. By optimizing the supply chain and staffing models, Brian Walton directly impacts the financial and clinical performance of the company. Ultimately, Walton drives the operational strategy that allows the organization to scale its behavioral health services effectively, ensuring consistent delivery of care across all regions.
    Brian Walton

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Summit BHC Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Summit BHC?
    Summit BHC is led by Karen Baird (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Adam Curl (Market Chief Executive Officer (Iowa)) and Cynthia Mendoza (Chief Executive Officer, At Palms Behavioral Health).
    Who is part of Summit BHC’s executive team?
    The executive team of Summit BHC includes leaders such as Karen Baird (Chief Executive Officer), Adam Curl (Market Chief Executive Officer (Iowa)), Cynthia Mendoza (Chief Executive Officer, At Palms Behavioral Health) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Summit BHC have?
    Summit BHC has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Summit BHC’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Summit BHC includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Market Chief Executive Officer (Iowa), Chief Executive Officer, At Palms Behavioral Health, Chief Executive Officer, Victory Addiction Recovery Center, Chief Executive Officer, Facility.