Behavioral healthcare provider Pyramid Healthcare, Inc., has appointed Kenneth E. Richter, Jr., as its Chief Clinical Officer (CCO).
Richter is an international healthcare leader, board-certified psychiatrist and retired Navy captain with extensive experience shaping medical operations, strategy, governance, and policy.
Before joining Pyramid’s executive leadership team, Richter served as the director for Mental Health Policy and Oversight, overseeing operations and policymaking across the entire Department of Defense (DoD), a $53 billion global integrated military health system with over 190,000 personnel serving 9.6 million beneficiaries.
While in this position, he chaired and co-chaired DoD and interagency committees, confronting critical national issues, including addictive substance misuse, sexual assault prevention strategy, opioid misuse mitigation strategy, and national suicide prevention strategy.
As CCO of Pyramid Healthcare, Richter will lead the organization’s clinical strategy and vision, furthering its mission of creating solutions for individuals, families and communities that result in a stronger quality of life. Richter will also serve as a visible advocate for the organization, championing mental health and addiction treatment initiatives at the local, state and national levels.
“Pyramid Healthcare is thrilled to welcome Kenneth Richter, Jr., to the executive leadership team. As CCO, he will play a pivotal role in shaping clinical innovation and strategy, influencing policy and fostering a culture of continuous improvement,” said Jason Hendricks, CEO of Pyramid Healthcare, Inc.
“With decades of experience and accomplishments, Dr. Richter is uniquely positioned to drive the future of Pyramid Healthcare from a medical and clinical perspective, making a tremendous positive impact on the lives of those we serve,” Hendricks said.
Richter is a decorated three-time combat veteran, internationally recognized expert, trusted advisor to the White House and Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. Over the course of his career, Richter has earned the Defense Superior Service Medal, Purple Heart Medal, three Meritorious Service Medals, a Joint Service Commendation Medal, three Navy and three Marine Corps Commendation Medals and a Combat Action Ribbon.
He completed his residency and internship at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego. In addition, Richter earned a Doctorate in Osteopathy from Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology/Pre-Med from Arizona State University. He holds the International Board Director Competency Designation and is a Certified Physician Executive.
Founded in 1999, the Pyramid Healthcare family of companies employs over 3,100 team members and operates over 80 active facilities – and seven schools – across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, North Carolina, Maryland, Georgia, Connecticut, Virginia and West Virginia.
