Scott Palmer is a dynamic executive, consultant, and entrepreneur with deep leadership experience in behavioral and physical health. Known for his ability to uncover opportunities and accelerate transformative change in complex organizations, Scott has a proven track record of launching and scaling innovative businesses, service lines, and investment strategies.
Scott has made significant contributions to the behavioral health field through his work with leading organizations such as the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation and the American Psychiatric Association (APA). At Hazelden Betty Ford, he led strategic initiatives that enhanced operational performance, introduced cutting-edge care models, and advanced innovation in addiction and mental health treatment. At APA, Scott served as lead strategic executive, where he shaped organizational strategy, accelerated commercialization efforts, and guided the CEO during a critical phase of rapid growth.
Throughout his career, Scott has demonstrated entrepreneurial vision and leadership by successfully developing and implementing groundbreaking programs, including:
Creating a clinic-within-a-clinic model at Emory Brain Health Center to integrate behavioral and neurological care.
Establishing an industry-first comprehensive at-home substance use disorder service line, expanding access to care for underserved populations.
Securing over $50 million in impact and social venture funding to support innovative initiatives and strategic growth.
Scott’s diverse experience also includes directing the clinical research program at the American Academy of Neurology, where he advanced medical innovation, and serving on the executive leadership team (ELT) at a community hospital, driving improvements in clinical operations and population health. Additionally, in a cabinet-level role at a prominent university, he led strategic planning and institutional growth efforts.
As a sought-after consultant, Scott has worked with top-tier organizations such as Mayo Clinic, Stanford Medicine, and Global Innovation Fund, providing expertise in healthcare strategy, business model design, and market development.
In addition to his professional achievements, Scott serves on the faculty of the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, where he teaches graduate-level courses in healthcare strategy and behavioral health operations. He holds a Master’s degree in Health Care Management from Johns Hopkins University, a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science and numerous certifications in Lean, project management, and design thinking.
A U.S. Army veteran, Scott applies a structured, mission-oriented approach to his work. His leadership philosophy emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and harnessing data to shape decisions and deliver transformational outcomes.
Scott’s unique ability to merge entrepreneurial vision with operational excellence has established him as a leader at the forefront of behavioral health and healthcare innovation, delivering sustainable impact across sectors.
Scott Palmer