BH Hospital Chief Executive Officer #5097886

The Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) is seeking a distinguished and visionary healthcare executive to serve as Chief Executive Officer of Central State Hospital (CSH), a Joint Commission accredited 277 bed inpatient psychiatric hospital located in historic Petersburg, Virginia.  Central State Hospital serves a unique and critical role within the Commonwealth as it’s only maximum-security psychiatric hospital. The hospital’s services include a 111-bed maximum security program, as well as inpatient treatment for both forensic and civil populations. This position offers a highly accomplished executive the opportunity to guide a complex, mission-driven facility, influence system wide behavioral health outcomes, and foster an environment that supports clinical excellence, safety, innovation, and organizational growth.

Central State Hospital is also entering an exciting period of transformation, with a new, state-of-the-art campus currently under construction and scheduled to come online in 2027. This modern building will incorporate leading edge clinical design, enhanced security infrastructure, advanced technology, and purpose driven treatment environments, positioning Central State Hospital as a beacon of inpatient behavioral healthcare delivery in the Commonwealth. 

Central State Hospital is strategically located in historic Petersburg, Virginia, close to the Greater Richmond region and its surrounding communities. The area offers a distinctive blend of historical significance, cultural depth, and modern convenience. Residents enjoy access to vibrant arts and cultural institutions, diverse dining options, quality public and private schools, and a growing economy. The region’s proximity to Richmond provides easy access to major metropolitan amenities, while maintaining a strong sense of community and a high quality of life. With convenient connections to Washington, D.C., Hampton Roads, and Charlottesville, the area is well positioned for both professional engagement and personal enrichment.

As the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), you will lead a high-performing, multidisciplinary team in delivering excellent, person-centered care to individuals with complex behavioral health needs. This position requires a dynamic and results-driven executive with a proven track record of managing large, complex healthcare operations. You will be responsible for ensuring the hospital’s operational efficiency, meeting key performance metrics, providing outstanding care, and supporting sound business and financial decision-making.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leadership & Strategic Oversight: Overseeing all aspects of hospital administration, including strategic planning, operations, human resources, finance, and quality improvement. Drive initiatives to enhance patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and financial performance. Ensuring the hospital meets key performance metrics and quality standards while fostering a culture of excellence and safety.
• Operational Excellence: Overseeing and managing the administrative and business operations of a complex, multi-faceted hospital. Ensuring the delivery of high-quality, trauma-informed, recovery-oriented care that meets the unique needs of civil and forensic patients. Collaborating with stakeholders to optimize workflows, reduce barriers to care, and maintain compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Workforce Development: Building and cultivating a dynamic, engaged workforce through effective recruitment, training, and development programs. Leading multidisciplinary teams of behavioral health clinicians, professionals, and administrative staff to create a culture of teamwork, accountability, and employee engagement.
• Collaboration & Partnership: Providing effective leadership to a network of diverse groups, including public and private community-based treatment programs and providers. Working closely with other leaders within the state hospital system, community providers, law enforcement, judicial entities, and advocacy groups to ensure a comprehensive approach to behavioral health care delivery. Actively participating in statewide planning efforts to advance best practices across the healthcare continuum.
• Financial & Performance Management: Overseeing the hospital’s $106 million annual operating budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and financial sustainability. Analyzing and synthesizing large amounts of data to develop logical conclusions, recommendations, and solutions for enhancing operational performance. Driving cost-effective, data-driven decision-making while maintaining high standards of care.
• Innovation & Quality Improvement: Leading initiatives to drive quality improvement, with a focus on patient safety, evidence-based practices, and continuous performance enhancement. Guiding the hospital through initiatives to achieve and maintaining Centers for Medicaid and Medicare (CMS) deemed status certification.
• Policy Interpretation & Implementation: Interpreting and applying policy effectively, ensuring alignment with state regulations, accreditation standards, and best practices. Supporting the implementation of new policies and procedures to improve patient care and operational efficiency.

Join Us in Delivering Exceptional Care
This is a unique opportunity to lead a distinguished hospital within the Commonwealth’s state hospital system and make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals requiring specialized care. If you are an experienced healthcare leader with a passion for improving the lives of those with complex behavioral health needs, we encourage you to apply.

Qualifications:

• Leadership Experience: Significant experience in the management and administration of a behavioral health organization, with a progressive career trajectory in healthcare leadership.
• Expertise in Behavioral Health: In-depth knowledge of trauma-informed, recovery-oriented care, as well as strategies for managing forensic populations and meeting the specific needs of civil and forensic patients.
• Operational Acumen: Proven ability to lead and manage multifaceted healthcare operations, with a strong focus on financial management, workforce development, and achieving operational goals. Experience with budget oversight, fiscal management, and efficient operations is essential.
• Strategic and Visionary Thinking: Expertise in strategic planning, change management, and systems thinking, with a demonstrated ability to drive large-scale improvements across an organization.
• Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement: Ability to lead and effectively communicate with diverse groups, including facility staff, consumers, families, advocacy organizations, elected officials, and community-based providers. Experience in fostering collaboration across multi-disciplinary teams and external partners.

Additional Considerations:

• Criminal Justice & Forensic Care: Prior experience with executive leadership in programs for individuals with criminal justice involvement or forensic status.
• Prior experience in inpatient behavioral health hospital leadership, particularly in forensic and geropsychiatric care.
• Certification in behavioral health or relevant leadership certifications.

DBHDS is committed to ensuring that individuals with behavioral health needs receive high-quality, compassionate care across a continuum of services. As part of the state hospital system, CSH is integral to this mission, ensuring that care is safe, effective, and aligned with best practices.

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter detailing your qualifications and experience. Central State Hospital is an equal opportunity employer.