Healthcare leader brings decades of experience to the addiction and behavioral health company
Franklin, Tenn. – September 4, 2025 – Summit BHC (“Summit”), a leading provider of high-quality, evidence-based behavioral health and addiction treatment services, today announced the appointment of Brian Walton as the company’s Executive Vice President of Operations, effective immediately.
Walton joins Summit from ScionHealth, where he served as President of the Community Hospital Division. Throughout his nearly 30-year career in healthcare, he has also held senior leadership roles at Ardent Health Services, Memorial Hermann Health System and Vanguard Health Systems.
“I had the opportunity to work closely with Brian during our time at Ardent, and I know him to be a collaborative, thoughtful, and detail-oriented leader who is deeply committed to patient-centered care,” said Summit CEO David Vandewater. “As Summit continues to deepen our bench of strong healthcare operators across the country, I’m confident that Brian will be of tremendous value to our leadership team and the entire organization.”
In his new role, Walton will partner directly with Vandewater and other leaders across the organization to support operational excellence and ensure Summit continues delivering high-quality behavioral health and addiction treatment.
“It is my pleasure to join the outstanding team at Summit and contribute to the important work they do to serve patients and communities,” said Walton. “I look forward to the opportunity to build upon the strong legacy they’ve already established and further deliver on the company’s important mission.”
About Summit BHC
Franklin-based Summit BHC is a leading provider of evidence-based behavioral health care services with 38 facilities in 20 states. The Company’s primary focus is on the provision of psychiatric services and substance use disorder treatment within a flexible, compassionate, and dynamic continuum of care. The leadership team at Summit is composed of executives with decades of combined experience in the behavioral healthcare industry at the national level. Our mission is to Improve the Lives We Touch.
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Ellis Metz
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