Chief Executive Officer

Beacon Mental Health's Chief Executive Officer, Tom Petrizzo, will be retiring in the coming months after an impactful career of leadership and service, including over a decade at the helm of Beacon. A national search is now underway to identify and recruit top-tier candidates to compete for this rare and meaningful leadership opportunity.This is a compelling and high-impact leadership role at Beacon Mental Health, a highly successful and financially stable Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) serving urban, suburban, and rural communities across Clay, Platte, and Ray counties. Beacon is known for its longstanding community roots, strong clinical reputation, experienced leadership team, and deeply committed staff.The organization is well-positioned for continued growth and innovation. The next CEO will guide Beacon through a dynamic period in behavioral healthcare"”marked by increasing demand, complex funding models, integration with physical health, and evolving expectations around data, access, and equity. This is an exceptional leadership opportunity for a values-driven executive to advance Beacon's mission while shaping its next era of service, impact, and community leadership."‹ABOUT THE ROLEAs the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Beacon Mental Health, you will serve as the senior executive leader responsible for the overall performance of the organization"”spanning clinical, operational, and financial domains. You will partner closely with the Board of Directors to refine and execute a forward-looking strategic vision that ensures Beacon's continued success and community relevance.The CEO will lead a dedicated and experienced executive team, empowering staff to deliver high-quality, person-centered care while meeting performance benchmarks and maintaining financial sustainability. You will foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and inclusion that supports Beacon's positive work environment and reputation as an employer of choice.As Beacon's most visible public representative, the CEO will engage directly with local partners, funders, elected officials, and state leaders to elevate the organization's voice, sustain its credibility, and strengthen its role as a trusted provider of comprehensive behavioral health services. This includes active involvement in regional coalitions and statewide behavioral health policy conversations. Your leadership will help Beacon continue its commitment to integrated, community-based care"”delivering services that improve health outcomes and quality of life across the Northland region.CANDIDATE PROFILE"‹To be successful in leading Beacon Mental Health, the "ideal" candidate will embody the following leadership traits, competencies, and values:Demonstrate unwavering integrity, modeling transparency, ethical practice, and consistency in all interactions with staff, clients, partners, and the broader community.Exhibit high emotional intelligence, with the ability to lead with empathy, manage complex interpersonal dynamics, and maintain a steady, supportive presence across diverse teams and high-pressure situations.Lead with a mission-focused and empowering style, deeply aligned with Beacon's commitment to delivering compassionate, community-based behavioral health services. The ideal leader will nurture professional development, value staff contributions, and cultivate an inclusive, collaborative culture.Bring flexibility and balance, skilled in navigating the evolving healthcare landscape while maintaining alignment with the organization's mission. The CEO should be adept at balancing innovation with sustainability, and clinical priorities with financial realities.Have deep experience in behavioral health or community health, with a strong understanding of the care needs of complex, underserved populations. Prior leadership in a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) is strongly preferred; experience with Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) is a plus.Possess strong business acumen, capable of managing complex budgets, driving operational efficiency, and strategically positioning Beacon for long-term financial health and programmatic growth.Demonstrate an unwavering commitment to client-centered care, with compassion, humility, and a holistic understanding of behavioral health. A patient-first mindset should be evident in all organizational priorities and decisions.Engage actively in the community, building trust with partners, funders, hospitals, and local/state leaders. The CEO should be a visible, connected presence in the Kansas City Northland and a consistent advocate for behavioral health equity and collaboration.Bring proven success in recruitment and retention, with a strong understanding of the behavioral health workforce and a track record of building high-performing, resilient teams.Hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree, with a strong preference for a master's degree in a relevant field such as public health, healthcare administration, business, social work, or psychology.Preferably reside in, or be willing to relocate to, the Northland region of Kansas City (Clay, Platte, or Ray County) to foster strong community connections and responsiveness to regional needs.ABOUT BEACON MENTAL HEALTH"‹Beacon Mental Health has a long and respected history of providing compassionate, community-based behavioral health services in the Kansas City Northland. Originally part of North Kansas City Hospital's behavioral health division, the organization became an independent entity in the early 1990s when hospital leadership determined that mental health services would be better served in a community-based setting. From that pivotal transition, Beacon has steadily grown in scale and impact"”anchored in its mission to deliver accessible, high-quality mental health care across Clay, Platte, and Ray counties. Beacon pioneered a hybrid model that integrates both in-house clinicians and contracted providers, allowing for flexibility, client choice, and expanded reach across the region. Over time, Beacon has built strong partnerships with schools, courts, hospitals, law enforcement, and other local agencies to meet the diverse and evolving needs of the community. In recognition of its commitment to best practices and integrated care, Beacon became a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), positioning the organization at the forefront of national efforts to improve access, quality, and accountability in behavioral health. "‹Today, Beacon provides a broad continuum of services"”from outpatient therapy and psychiatry to crisis intervention, substance use treatment, case management, and community-based programs. Guided by a dedicated leadership team and supported by an experienced staff, Beacon Mental Health serves thousands of individuals and families each year, continuing its legacy as a trusted and transformative behavioral health provider for the Kansas City Northland. LOCATION"‹Located in the Northland region of Kansas City, Beacon Mental Health serves communities across Clay, Platte, and Ray counties - a unique blend of suburban neighborhoods, rural towns, and expanding commercial corridors. This area offers the convenience and cultural richness of the broader Kansas City metro while maintaining a strong sense of community and local identity. The Northland is known for its family-friendly neighborhoods, top-rated public schools, affordable housing, and abundant green spaces. It provides quick access to downtown Kansas City, just across the Missouri River, where residents enjoy world-class arts, dining,professional sports, and entertainment. The region offers the best of both worlds"”a quieter, community-oriented lifestyle with seamless access to the amenities of a major metropolitan city. For more information, visit the official websites of Clay County, Platte County, and Ray County, or explore the Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce for insights on the community.

Created: 2025-05-09