New CEO Named

The Board of Trustees of Retreat Healthcare is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert E. Simpson, Jr., DSW, MPH as its new President and Chief Executive Officer.

Dr. Simpson comes to Retreat Healthcare with over 30 years of commitment to the treatment of individuals experiencing mental health and addiction issues as well as extensive experience in the management of mental health and substance abuse programs. He is a graduate of Amherst College, Simmons College (MSW), Harvard University (MPH) and the University of Utah where he earned a doctorate in Social Work.

Most recently he has served as CEO of Arbour Hospital, a member of the Universal Health Services, Inc., in Boston. In prior executive management positions he has served as Sr. Vice President of Government Relations and Chief Operating Officer at the Sisters of Providence Health System and Vice President of Behavioral Health and Cancer Services at Baystate Health System in Springfield, Massachusetts.

With a strong clinical and public health background Dr. Simpson brings the values and skills necessary to build upon the Retreat’s core mission to serve the community of Vermont and surrounding region. His career has been a demonstration of exceptional clinical care, strong financial results, and the knowledge of how to partner with key stakeholders from both the private and public sectors to advocate for the needs those who seek services.

Rob is married to Ariane Krumholz, MSPH and together they have five children in various stages of college and post college life. Ariane is also experienced in healthcare having worked in various senior administrative capacities in strategic planning, administration, managed care contracting and consultation. She is a graduate of Middlebury College and looks forward to a return to Vermont.

Julie Peterson, Chair of the Board of Trustees notes that, “We are very fortunate to have someone of Rob’s caliber and passion for service come to the Retreat; his vision and ability to collaborate with others matches well with the Retreat and Vermont’s current goals for healthcare transformation.”