“To serve as a collaborative leader who builds high performing teams that effect change, resolve conflict, and create innovative healthcare solutions.”

David C. Nissen, MBA, CHBC, is a veteran healthcare executive with nearly four decades of experience leading, advising, and transforming behavioral healthcare organizations. His career, defined by a hands-on approach to innovation and enterprise growth, reflects a unique blend of clinical insight, operational expertise, and business acumen. From frontline mental health technician to executive leadership and board service, David’s contributions to behavioral health are both comprehensive and deeply impactful.

David began his professional journey in 1986 at Charter Winds Hospital, progressing rapidly from a night-shift technician to Intake Counselor. His early promotions set the tone for a career built on diligence, creativity, and a keen understanding of both patient care and organizational dynamics. Over the following decade, David held progressively senior roles in intake and admissions, notably serving as Director of RESPOND/Admissions at HCA – Poplar Springs Hospital, and later Integrated Access Director at HCA – Chippenham Medical Center, where he doubled admissions through strategic development of a mobile assessment team.

By the late 1990s, David had firmly established himself in executive roles, including CEO positions at ValueMark Behavioral Healthcare, Charter Springs Hospital, and La Amistad RTC under Universal Health Services. At each organization, he executed strategic turnarounds, expanded service lines, recruited top-tier medical staff, and secured managed care contracts. His leadership consistently yielded increased revenue, expanded access to care, and sustainable growth.

In 2001, David co-founded Renaissance Healthcare Group, LLC (d/b/a Pasadena Villa), a defining moment in his career. As Vice President and Managing Director, he transformed the company from a startup into a thriving behavioral healthcare provider with multi-state operations. He was instrumental in building a robust infrastructure covering marketing, strategic planning, regulatory compliance, human resources, finance, and business development. Under his direction, the organization also became a clinical training partner for the University of Central Florida’s College of Medicine. His leadership culminated in the successful sale of the company, which became the platform for Odyssey Behavioral Healthcare.

Post-acquisition, David continued to shape behavioral health strategy as a Consultant and Advisor at Odyssey Behavioral, facilitating growth initiatives, supporting executive leadership in acquisition strategies, and launching new outpatient programs.

David’s entrepreneurial drive continued through the founding of Summit Strategic Solutions, LLC (d/b/a Nissen Consultants) in 2018. Through this firm, he advises behavioral health organizations on performance improvement, strategic planning, M&A readiness, and value enhancement. His consulting impact spans operations, referral development, and enterprise growth strategy, making him a trusted guide for owners seeking meaningful impact and increased valuation.

In parallel, he has served as a Strategic Advisor to tech and healthcare startups like CareTime—a SaaS platform for home health and hospice services—where his guidance led to a successful private equity acquisition, and more recently, to New Resilience, Inc., where he helps shape an AI-driven behavioral healthcare CRM aimed at transforming marketing and admissions processes for treatment centers.

David’s commitment to the field extends beyond his professional roles. He serves on the Board of Directors for Lakewood Residential Treatment Center in Fern Park, FL, contributing his governance and leadership expertise to the organization’s mission.

He holds an MBA from Averett University and a BS in Educational Psychology from the University of Georgia. He is a Certified Healthcare Business Consultant (CHBC) through the National Society of Certified Healthcare Business Consultants and a Certified Middle Market Professional (MMP) with the Association for Corporate Growth. He is also an active member of the Alliance of Merger and Acquisition Advisors.

Throughout his career, David Nissen has combined strategic vision with operational rigor, helping organizations navigate complex challenges, scale with purpose, and deliver transformative care. His professional story is one of continual evolution, reflecting his unwavering commitment to behavioral healthcare and his ability to lead at the intersection of clinical service, business growth, and innovation.

Character
David Nissen’s career reflects unwavering integrity, resilience, and dedication to advancing behavioral healthcare through leadership built on trust, accountability, and compassion. His steady rise from clinical roles to executive leadership shows a deep commitment to serving others and improving systems with humility and purpose.

Knowledge
With nearly four decades of experience across every facet of behavioral health operations, David possesses unmatched expertise in clinical management, strategic planning, regulatory compliance, and mergers and acquisitions. His academic foundation in educational psychology and business administration complements his practical insight into complex healthcare systems.

Strategic
David has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to scale organizations, launch and grow service lines, and position companies for successful acquisitions. His visionary leadership at Pasadena Villa and later through his consultancy reflects a consistent focus on long-term value creation and industry-wide impact.

Communication
David excels in engaging stakeholders, from board members and investors to clinicians and clients, through clear, mission-driven messaging. His success in business development, staff leadership, and partnership building highlights his ability to unify teams and inspire action toward shared goals.