Youth Villages Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Youth Villages has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, administration, technology, finance, human resources, and clinical medicine.

Committed to transformative care for vulnerable youth, Youth Villages advances evidence-based treatment models to strengthen family support systems and ensure long-term success for children across the United States.

Leadership Roles at Youth Villages

  • Chief Executive Officer - Patrick Lawler
  • Chief Financial Officer - Susan Gregory
  • Chief Operating Officer - Lee Rone
  • Chief of Staff - Nicholas Vescovo
  • Chief Information Officer - Chris Brady
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - LaTonya Pendleton
  • Chief Medical Officer - Fred Thomason
  • Patrick Lawler - Chief Executive Officer

    Patrick Lawler, the Chief Executive Officer at Youth Villages, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. Lawler oversees the implementation of evidence-based treatment models designed to address complex emotional and behavioral challenges in children. By fostering national partnerships and advocacy, the Chief Executive Officer expands the reach of these critical services across the United States. Patrick Lawler maintains constant alignment with the Board to ensure the mission remains focused on family-centered care. This leadership role involves scaling operations to support tens of thousands of young people annually. Through rigorous oversight of organizational performance, the Chief Executive Officer drives sustainable growth and long-term impact. Lawler prioritizes the development of innovative solutions that improve mental health outcomes. By championing systemic change, the Chief Executive Officer secures the resources necessary to sustain the mission. Ultimately, Lawler ensures the organization remains a leader in the field of youth behavioral health.
    Patrick Lawler

    Susan Gregory - Chief Financial Officer

    Susan Gregory, the Chief Financial Officer at Youth Villages, directs the financial strategy and fiscal health of the organization. Gregory oversees the budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting processes that sustain the delivery of mental health services. By managing the allocation of funds across various programs, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources reach the children and families who need them most. Susan Gregory coordinates with the Board to maintain transparency and long-term financial stability. This leadership role involves analyzing revenue streams and identifying opportunities for sustainable growth. Through the oversight of fiscal compliance, the Chief Financial Officer protects the organization's ability to advocate for youth on a national scale. Gregory drives financial efficiency by implementing rigorous cost-control measures. By balancing the need for immediate service delivery with long-term sustainability, the Chief Financial Officer supports the organization's mission. Ultimately, Gregory secures the financial foundation required for continued impact.

    Lee Rone - Chief Operating Officer

    Lee Rone, the Chief Operating Officer at Youth Villages, manages the daily execution of clinical and support programs. Rone oversees the operational infrastructure required to deliver high-quality care to children facing emotional and behavioral problems. By optimizing service delivery models, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that family-strengthening initiatives function efficiently across all regional sites. Lee Rone coordinates with department heads to streamline workflows and improve resource allocation. This leadership role involves monitoring performance metrics to guarantee that treatment standards meet organizational goals. Through the management of complex logistics, the Chief Operating Officer supports the expansion of programs into new markets. Rone drives operational excellence by refining internal processes and enhancing service accessibility. By maintaining a focus on scalability, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that the organization effectively serves tens of thousands of young people. Ultimately, Rone stabilizes the operational foundation necessary for long-term success.

    Nicholas Vescovo - Chief of Staff

    Nicholas Vescovo, the Chief of Staff at Youth Villages, coordinates executive communications and internal administrative alignment. Vescovo manages the flow of information between the C-suite and various departments to ensure the mission remains the primary focus. By facilitating cross-functional collaboration, the Chief of Staff supports the execution of strategic initiatives aimed at improving mental health outcomes for youth. Nicholas Vescovo oversees the preparation of high-level reports and board materials that track organizational progress. This leadership role involves managing special projects that require immediate attention and precise execution. Through the synchronization of executive priorities, the Chief of Staff ensures that resources align with the needs of families across the United States. Vescovo drives organizational efficiency by removing barriers to effective communication. By maintaining a clear view of the operational landscape, the Chief of Staff enables the leadership team to make informed decisions. Ultimately, Vescovo secures the administrative integrity of the organization.

    Chris Brady - Chief Information Officer

    Chris Brady, the Chief Information Officer at Youth Villages, architects the digital infrastructure supporting clinical and administrative operations. Brady oversees the implementation of secure data systems that track treatment progress for children and families. By integrating advanced technology into service delivery, the Chief Information Officer ensures that staff members possess the tools required for effective care management. Chris Brady manages the cybersecurity framework to protect sensitive information across all regional operations. This leadership role involves evaluating new software solutions that enhance the efficiency of behavioral health programs. Through the modernization of digital platforms, the Chief Information Officer supports the organization's ability to scale its impact. Brady drives innovation by leveraging data analytics to identify trends in treatment success. By aligning technology investments with the core mission, the Chief Information Officer ensures that digital assets directly contribute to improved outcomes. Ultimately, Brady secures the technological future of the organization.

    LaTonya Pendleton - Chief Human Resources Officer

    LaTonya Pendleton, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Youth Villages, manages the talent acquisition and workforce development strategies. Pendleton oversees the recruitment and retention of clinical staff dedicated to providing high-quality care for children. By fostering a culture of professional growth, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the workforce remains equipped to handle complex emotional and behavioral challenges. LaTonya Pendleton coordinates with leadership to align staffing levels with the needs of families across the United States. This leadership role involves developing training programs that emphasize evidence-based treatment models. Through the management of employee relations and benefits, the Chief Human Resources Officer supports the well-being of the entire team. Pendleton drives organizational performance by cultivating a diverse and skilled workforce. By prioritizing staff development, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the organization maintains its commitment to excellence. Ultimately, Pendleton secures the human capital necessary for mission success.

    Fred Thomason - Chief Medical Officer

    Fred Thomason, the Chief Medical Officer at Youth Villages, directs the clinical standards and medical oversight for all treatment programs. Thomason oversees the application of evidence-based models that address the mental and behavioral health needs of children. By ensuring that clinical practices meet the highest safety and quality benchmarks, the Chief Medical Officer supports the long-term success of families. Fred Thomason coordinates with clinical teams to refine treatment protocols and integrate new research into daily practice. This leadership role involves monitoring medical outcomes to ensure that interventions produce measurable improvements. Through the supervision of clinical staff, the Chief Medical Officer maintains consistency in care across all regional operations. Thomason drives clinical excellence by fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement. By aligning medical strategies with the organization's mission, the Chief Medical Officer ensures that every child receives effective support. Ultimately, Thomason secures the clinical integrity of the organization.
    Fred Thomason

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Youth Villages Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Youth Villages?
    Youth Villages is led by Patrick Lawler (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Susan Gregory (Chief Financial Officer) and Lee Rone (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Youth Villages’s executive team?
    The executive team of Youth Villages includes leaders such as Patrick Lawler (Chief Executive Officer), Susan Gregory (Chief Financial Officer), Lee Rone (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Youth Villages have?
    Youth Villages has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Youth Villages’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Youth Villages includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff, Chief Information Officer.