David Salgado Email & Phone Number

Gilbert, Az, Us

As Vice President of Operations, I work closely with the CEO to execute the mission, vision, and values of Zenith Behavioral Health. I oversee day-to-day operations, with a focus on Admissions, Plant Operations, and compliance, while ensuring services are aligned with the highest standards of care and efficiency.Key Responsibilities:• Spearhead day-to-day operations, ensuring alignment with Zenith Behavioral Health’s mission, vision, and values.• Provide strategic oversight for Admissions and Plant Operations, driving efficiency and performance across departments.• Ensure full compliance with treatment protocol, corporate regulations, licensing, and audits, maintaining a focus on continuous improvement.• Oversee the negotiation and management of contracts with vendors and third-party providers to optimize service delivery and cost management.• Direct Plant Operations, including Maintenance, Housekeeping, and Culinary services, implementing strategies to improve operational efficiency.• Collaborate closely with the Admissions and Intake teams, reducing admission time and increasing operational efficiency.• Lead weekly meetings with the Director of Admissions and Admissions team, ensuring a sustained census rate of 95%-100%.• Serve as the primary community liaison, strengthening relationships with local stakeholders, including businesses, law enforcement, healthcare providers, and competitors.• Enhance referral source engagement through targeted presentations and regular communication with hospitals, outpatient clinics, and rehab centers.• Partner with corporate stakeholders to elevate Zenith’s social media presence, improving brand visibility and driving admissions.• Lead the development of a company brochure and other marketing materials to align with Zenith’s branding strategy.• Champion patient engagement initiatives, collaborating with clinical and behavioral health teams to ensure patient satisfaction, especially during holidays and special events.

As Interim CEO at Zenith Behavioral Health, I led the overall operations of a 100+ employee facility generating $7M in annual revenue. I successfully directed cross-functional teams to achieve operational excellence while ensuring financial health, strategic growth, and the highest standards of care.Key Responsibilities: • Directed the overall operations of a 100+ employee facility generating $7M in annual revenue, ensuring operational excellence across all departments.• Designed and implemented scalable infrastructure solutions to support rapid organizational growth, increasing efficiency and capacity.• Provided transparent reporting on operations, finances, clinical quality, and risk management activities to ownership, fostering clear communication and informed decision-making.• Managed department budgets, financial reporting, and fiscal planning, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and maintaining financial health.• Collaborated with ownership on strategic business development initiatives, identifying and creating new revenue streams to support growth and market expansion.• Maximized operational efficiency through process improvements and resource allocation, driving sustainable growth and operational performance.• Ensured operating plans were consistent with both the budget and long-term strategic objectives, prioritizing high-impact initiatives.• Oversaw recruitment, hiring, and staff development, ensuring the right talent was in place to support organizational goals and growth.• Effectively navigated conflict resolution and held team members accountable for performance, while also providing motivation, encouragement, and recognition to foster a positive workplace culture.• Motivated and inspired staff toward achieving facility-wide goals, cultivating a unified and high-performing team environment.• Ensured full compliance with regulatory requirements, maintaining the highest standards of care and operations.

Phoenix, Arizona, United States

As the first employee of Zenith Behavioral Health, I played a critical role in launching the company, from establishing the foundational infrastructure to securing key business partnerships and driving early-stage growth. I was responsible for market analysis, strategic planning, and business development initiatives that laid the groundwork for the organization’s long-term success.Key Responsibilities & Achievements:• Played a pivotal role as the first employee in launching Zenith Behavioral Health, designing and implementing the organizational infrastructure from the ground up.• Conducted in-depth market research and developed a comprehensive proforma for ownership, providing critical insights to inform strategic decisions based on market needs and opportunities.• Successfully pursued and negotiated contracts with Managed Care and AHCCCS plans, securing reimbursement rates ranging from 110% to 180% of the AHCCCS Fee Schedule, significantly enhancing financial sustainability.• Led Zenith’s initial marketing and brand recognition efforts, utilizing social media, grassroots marketing, and leveraging personal relationships with local stakeholders to establish the company’s presence in the community.• Expanded Zenith’s footprint on a national scale, securing patients from nine states through targeted outreach and partnerships, contributing to early growth and brand visibility.• Assisted in the development of evidence-based curricula and program frameworks, ensuring clinical excellence and alignment with best practices in behavioral health services.

Phoenix, Arizona Area

In this role, I played a key part in expanding Allegiant Healthcare’s service offerings and building strong partnerships in the behavioral health space. I successfully developed new programs, increased occupancy across multiple facilities, and established a reputation for my expertise in behavioral health care.Key Responsibilities & Achievements:• Successfully developed and launched a specialized behavioral health unit at a skilled nursing facility (SNF), enhancing service offerings and expanding the company’s care capabilities.• Leveraged established contacts and referral sources to achieve a 100% behavioral health census across three facilities, consistently meeting and exceeding occupancy goals.• Coordinated admissions processes between Clinical Directors, Nursing staff, and Administration, ensuring seamless patient intake and service delivery.• Scheduled and delivered multiple presentations to key referral sources, fostering strong relationships and increasing referral volume from local hospitals and care providers.• Conducted face-to-face assessments of patients to determine the appropriate level of care (LOC), ensuring timely and accurate placement in the behavioral health unit.• Recognized within the community as the “ALTCS Behavioral Guy,” earning a reputation for expertise and reliability among local hospitals, ALTCS plans, and SNFs.

Phoenix, Arizona

As Director of Business Development at Windsor Healthcare, I led the growth and management of the behavioral health census across five Windsor Communities in Arizona, contributing to the operational success and financial sustainability of the facilities. My focus was on increasing occupancy, developing strong referral networks, and elevating behavioral health programming to meet the diverse needs of patients.Key Responsibilities & Achievements:• Led the growth and management of the behavioral health census across five Windsor Communities in Arizona, driving significant operational success.• Achieved 100% behavioral health census in three out of five SNF/ALF facilities within the first year, contributing to overall facility growth and financial sustainability.• Secured an impressive average daily census (ADC) of 92% at the Assisted Living Facility (ALF), surpassing performance expectations.• Strengthened and nurtured relationships with ALTCS plans, increasing referral volume and ensuring a steady pipeline of patients.• Expanded referral networks statewide through grassroots marketing initiatives, leveraging word-of-mouth and local connections to build brand awareness and trust.• Developed and implemented innovative, evidence-based behavioral health programming, incorporating best practices within SNF and ALF environments to elevate care standards.• Led the recruitment and hiring of Clinical Directors and Psychiatric Practitioners, ensuring the right leadership and clinical expertise to support high-quality behavioral programming.• Negotiated contracts with referral sources and managed relationships to ensure mutual growth and aligned service delivery.• Conducted face-to-face assessments of patients to determine appropriate levels of care (LOC), ensuring optimal patient placement and quality of service.

Tempe, Az

As a Care Manager specializing in Behavioral Health, I was responsible for managing the utilization of mental health and substance abuse services for members across multiple inpatient and intermediate care settings. My role was centered on ensuring optimal care levels, coordinating services across stakeholders, and advocating for the best possible outcomes for members.Key Responsibilities & Achievements:• Managed the utilization of mental health and substance abuse services for over 70 members across 38 different inpatient and intermediate care settings, ensuring appropriate care levels and resource utilization.• Assessed and recommended placement in the least restrictive settings, maximizing member autonomy while meeting medical necessity requirements and promoting positive outcomes.• Monitored and ensured the quality of care across facilities, serving as a key liaison between health plans, behavioral health providers, and care facilities.• Collaborated with physicians, social workers, providers, and case managers to develop and implement comprehensive discharge plans, ensuring continuity of care.• Developed and maintained strong, ongoing relationships with providers, offering education and guidance on appropriate levels of care to optimize service delivery.• Analyzed data and trends to identify potential quality improvement opportunities, addressing provider concerns, service gaps, and evolving member needs.• Ensured full compliance with Medicare and Medicaid regulations, contractual agreements, and HIPAA standards, safeguarding the privacy and security of member data.

Chandler, Az.

As Director of Clinical & Milieu Services, I was responsible for managing the clinical operations of two Level 1 Residential Facilities, overseeing both clinical and milieu programs to ensure the highest standards of patient care. My role involved leadership of multidisciplinary teams, compliance with regulatory standards, and continuous improvement of service delivery.Key Responsibilities & Achievements:• Managed day-to-day clinical operations for two Level 1 Residential Facilities, overseeing clinical and milieu programs to ensure high standards of care.• Supervised a multidisciplinary team of 11 clinicians, 3 Milieu Managers, and 80 Behavioral Health Technicians, providing group and individual supervision.• Collaborated with the Senior Management Team to ensure compliance with fiscal, ethical, and legal standards set by the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health.• Developed, implemented, and evaluated clinical and milieu operations to enhance patient care and operational efficiency.• Partnered with the Medical Record and Performance Improvement Coordinator to audit clinical charts, ensuring adherence to state, county, tribal, and private insurance requirements.

Phoenix, Arizona

As the Lead Therapist in an Adolescent Substance Abuse Program, I provided clinical services to adolescents struggling with substance abuse and dual diagnoses. My role involved delivering group and multifamily therapy, supervising interns, and creating comprehensive treatment plans to support long-term recovery and mental health.Key Responsibilities and Achievements: • Provided clinical supervision for Master’s and Ph.D. level interns, facilitating the development of emerging professionals.• Led group and multifamily therapy for up to 15 adolescents with substance abuse issues, incorporating evidence-based approaches.• Developed treatment plans, conducted drug testing, and provided case management for teens with dual diagnoses.

Chandler, Arizona

As Director of Business Development and Admissions, I played a key role in driving facility growth through strategic marketing, relationship-building with referral sources, and managing admissions processes. I successfully led efforts to increase census and expand outreach, positioning Oasis/PARC Place RTC for long-term success.Key Responsibilities & Achievements:• Increased daily census by 9% through effective marketing strategies and relationship-building with referral sources.• Achieved 100% census for the first time in three years, demonstrating strong leadership in business development.• Established and maintained relationships with community, consumer, employee, and public interest groups, enhancing the facility’s outreach.• Conducted public speaking engagements, marketed Oasis services, and developed new referral sources statewide.• Managed contract negotiations and worked to expand both in-state and out-of-state referral networks.

Phoenix, Az