Ronald J. Smith
Fresno
Summary
Provide exemplary business and financial leadership within the healthcare sector to consistently achieve targets for quality, revenue, growth, and profitability.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Early Career
- Psychology Assistant, Michael Diamond Psychologist Services (1991 – 1992)
- Youth Care Supervisor, Mercy Boys Home (1991 – 1992)
- Substance Abuse Counselor, Center for Addictive Problems (1988 – 1992)
- Supervisor, Diagnostic Center for Neurologically Handicapped Children (1982 – 1988)
- Recreation Therapist, Fresno City Parks and Recreation (1980 – 1985)
- Aquatics Instructor, Easter Seals (1980 – 1988)
Regional Vice President of Operations-Northern California
Telecare Corporation
07.2024 - Current
- As Vice President of Program Operations, I am responsible for ensuring results and effectively coordinating cross-functional teams to meet operational objectives. My responsibilities include providing strategic direction and oversight for 34 programs and 720 employees in the Northern California Region: covering areas such as planning, financial management, human resources, quality improvement, day-to-day operations, implementation of strategic initiatives, and fulfillment of corporate goals. I lead management staff to ensure operational adjustments are in line with the organization’s strategic priorities.
- Supervise regional operations to ensure compliance with established plans and budgetary guidelines.
- Establish and pursue both short- and long-term objectives while contributing to the development, implementation, and assessment of systems, processes, and functions that support high-quality, customer-centered service delivery.
- Lead and coordinate organizational initiatives by planning, organizing, and implementing new or updated programs and services, supporting the company's mission and ensuring financial stability.
- Transitioned from a traditional corporate business structure to a matrix organizational model, leading the development, implementation, and execution of the comprehensive matrix/regional structure for Northern California.
Vice President, Behavioral Health Services, Senior Clinician & Department Head
Wexford Health Sources, Inc.
01.2009 - 01.2024
- Directed the expansion of the behavioral health business portfolio, resulting in an increase in annual revenue from $75 million to $200 million and staff growth from 105 to over 800 employees. These achievements positioned the company as the second largest and leading provider of correctional behavioral healthcare in the United States.
- Secured a $100 million statewide contract by leveraging the organization’s expertise in mental health, addiction recovery, psychiatry, risk reduction programs, and behavioral health operations.
- Oversaw the development of nationally recognized forensic programs, which improved clinical outcomes and operational efficiency, generating $12 million in cost savings for counties, clients, and the company.
- Achieved a 40% increase in clinical efficiency by guiding innovative clinical program development and implementing models that set the organization apart in the correctional health sector.
- Designed and executed high-quality care initiatives that elevated correctional care program standards above those of competitors and comparable systems.
- Developed and implemented Addiction Recovery Services (including MAT) across multiple state and county systems.
Chief, Mental Health Services
State of Vermont – Department of Corrections
01.2006 - 01.2009
- Directed mental health services and related programs for individuals under the department’s jurisdiction.
- Developed and implemented standardized policies and procedures for service delivery.
- Composed standards and managed contracts with mental health service providers.
- Led continuous process and performance improvements through systematic evaluation and actionable recommendations.
- Designed and administered healthcare programs to enhance quality of care.
- Conducted quality assurance assessments for both departmental staff and contracted providers to ensure compliance with established standards.
Executive Director, Arkansas Partnership Program
Liberty Healthcare
01.2000 - 01.2006
- Oversaw all clinical and administrative functions for the Arkansas Partnership Program, including a secure residential center for individuals with dual diagnoses, a community integration initiative, and various community-based services.
- Ensured service alignment with the agency's mission and vision, consistently meeting internal and regulatory requirements.
- Led quality improvement, risk management, and compliance efforts to maintain ethical and legal standards.
Administrator, Clinical Services
State of Idaho – Department of Juvenile Correction
01.1998 - 01.2000
- Oversaw juvenile custody, sentencing, release, and treatment processes to optimize outcomes.
- Managed observation and assessment units statewide, supervising 75 social workers across seven districts.
- Ensured proper placement of adjudicated youth both within Idaho and nationwide.
- Administered and monitored departmental contracts and developed new programs to enhance care.
- Increased service availability by 30% through grant writing and policy development.
- Advised government officials, judges, and law enforcement on risk management and patient rights.
Chief Clinical Officer
Guidance Center of Lea County, Inc., Community Mental Health Center
01.1995 - 01.1998
- Led a large community mental health center.
- Supervised licensed staff, interns, and practicum students.
- Opened two satellite clinics in neighboring counties.
- Developed juvenile programs for residential and outpatient care.
- Oversaw quality and accreditation processes.
- Conducted forensic and psychological assessments for individuals of all ages.
- Developed juvenile substance abuse and co-occurring treatment services for both outpatient and residential settings.
Lieutenant, Medical Service Corps & Staff Psychologist
United States Navy, 29 Palms MCAGCC Naval Hospital
01.1992 - 01.1996
- Served as a Naval Psychologist at Camp Pendleton and two naval hospitals.
- Performed medical board exams, fitness evaluations, and substance abuse assessments.
- Provided group and individual counseling to Navy and Marine personnel, as well as their dependents.
Education
Psy.D. - Clinical Psychology, Health Psychology
Illinois School of Professional Psychology
Chicago, ILMaster of Arts - Clinical Psychology
California State University Fresno
Fresno, CA01.1988
Bachelor of Arts - General Psychology
California State University Fresno
Fresno, CA01.1985
Skills
- Administrative Operations: Extensive experience managing complex administrative functions to ensure efficient and effective organizational performance
- Program Development & Administration: Proven ability to design, implement, and oversee innovative programs that drive organizational growth and enhance service delivery
- Policies & Procedures: Skilled in developing, standardizing, and enforcing policies and procedures to maintain high standards of quality and compliance
- Contract Development & Negotiations: Expertise in crafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts to secure favorable terms and ensure mutually beneficial partnerships
- Fiscal Oversight & Funding: Strong fiscal management skills, including budget planning, funding acquisition, and financial oversight to support sustainable operations
- Organizational Governance: Deep understanding of governance structures and practices that promote accountability, transparency, and ethical leadership
- Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management: Commitment to ensuring organizational adherence to regulatory standards and proactively managing risks to safeguard operations
- Strategic Business Planning: Demonstrated success in formulating and executing strategic plans that align with organizational objectives, drive revenue, and foster long-term growth
Certification
Licensing: Pennsylvania – Clinical Psychology # PA-PSO16740 (Current)
Timeline
Regional Vice President of Operations-Northern California
Telecare Corporation
07.2024 - Current
Vice President, Behavioral Health Services, Senior Clinician & Department Head
Wexford Health Sources, Inc.
01.2009 - 01.2024
Chief, Mental Health Services
State of Vermont – Department of Corrections
01.2006 - 01.2009
Executive Director, Arkansas Partnership Program
Liberty Healthcare
01.2000 - 01.2006
Administrator, Clinical Services
State of Idaho – Department of Juvenile Correction
01.1998 - 01.2000
Chief Clinical Officer
Guidance Center of Lea County, Inc., Community Mental Health Center
01.1995 - 01.1998
Lieutenant, Medical Service Corps & Staff Psychologist
United States Navy, 29 Palms MCAGCC Naval Hospital
01.1992 - 01.1996
Early Career
Master of Arts - Clinical Psychology
California State University Fresno
Bachelor of Arts - General Psychology
California State University Fresno
Psy.D. - Clinical Psychology, Health Psychology
Illinois School of Professional Psychology
Internship & Practicum Experience
- National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, MD (1991 – 1992) Clinical Psychology Internship Program (APA Approved)
- Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL (1991 – 1992) Therapy Practicum
- Institute for Human Development, Elmhurst, IL (1991) Diagnostic Practicum
- University of Illinois – Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, IL (1990 – 1991) Diagnostic Practicum
Service to Profession
- Organization Committee Member: California Wheelchair Games (1982 – 1988)
- Co-Director: California Wheelchair Games (1983 – 1984)