CODAC Health, Recovery & Wellness is pleased to announce the promotion of five key leaders within the organization. Rafael Arechaga has been promoted to the role of chief information officer; Dan Barden, MS, LISAC to chief clinical officer; Amy Muñoz, DBH, NCC, to chief compliance officer; Kristine Welter Hall to chief operating officer and Eric Westerlund to chief financial officer.
Rafael Arechaga has been an integral part of CODAC for over two decades, demonstrating his expertise in health information and technology. As the new chief information officer, Arechaga ensures that CODAC remains at the forefront for electronic communications and infrastructure, cyber-security, and informatics. He has successfully led the implementation of two different Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems, enabling CODAC to achieve automation in both clinical and operational processes. Prior to joining CODAC, Arechaga gained valuable experience in software and systems development with Electronic Data Systems, serving esteemed clients such as GM, Volkswagen and IBM.
Dan Barden, MS, LISAC, has been promoted to the position of chief clinical officer. With over 35 years of experience in behavioral health, Barden brings a wealth of knowledge to his new role. He oversees three large outpatient clinics, numerous smaller transitional living and substance use Intensive Outpatient Programs, as well as CODAC’s 24/7 Center of Excellence for outpatient substance use and Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT). Additionally, Barden focuses on fostering community collaborations with organizations such as the Tucson Police Department, the Tucson Fire Department and the Pima County Adult Detention Center to address the overdose crisis through collaborative interventions.
Amy Muñoz, DBH, MS, NCC, is now CODAC’s chief compliance officer. Muñoz is a licensed therapist specializing in trauma, brief-solution-focused intervention and cognitive behavioral therapy. She is responsible for the Performance Management & Outcomes department, including oversight of corporate compliance and responsibility; risk management; accreditation, licensure and other regulatory requirements; the Utilization Management department which specializes in high acuity teams, hospitalization and behavioral health residential services; the Quality Management department; the Membership department; management of population health and outcomes activities; and agency training activities.
Muñoz holds a Doctorate of Behavioral Health Management from Arizona State University. She is affiliated with several organizations including the AzHEC (Health Current) Health Information Exchange Clinical Advisory Council, Community Police Advisory Board and Tucson Metro Chamber of Commerce Emerging Leaders Council.
Kristine Welter Hall, who previously held the position of senior vice president of marketing and business development, has been promoted to chief operating officer. With two decades of experience, Kristine oversees marketing, communications, public relations, the Southern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault, strategic planning, facilities, Genoa pharmacy relations, business development, and soon central purchasing. Her dedication, leadership and creativity have contributed significantly to CODAC’s growth and success over the years. Hall has been recognized for her exceptional achievements and extensive community involvement.
Eric Westerlund is CODAC’s chief financial officer. With over 14 years of experience in the health care industry, Westerlund has a proven record of improving processes and business decisions through actionable data and analysis. Westerlund was most recently the CFO at Okanogan Behavioral Healthcare in Omak, WA, a $10M non-profit organization, where he helped increase revenues by over $800,000 by improving revenue maximization, new grants and Managed Care contract negotiations, among other accomplishments. He was also deputy executive director for Optum with responsibility for operations, where he administered the Optum Idaho Medicaid behavioral health plan with 260,000 members served. Prior to Optum Idaho, Westerlund started his managed care career at United Healthcare as manager of finance and moved to director of finance for the behavioral health division.
“Each of these individuals brings a unique set of skills, competencies and experience that will undoubtedly continue to contribute to CODAC’s ongoing success and positive impact within the Tucson community,” said CODAC CEO Dennis Regnier.