Mark Santangelo brings over 35 years of robust leadership experience across healthcare management, corporate law, and organizational turnaround strategies. With a dynamic career spanning outpatient substance abuse, behavioral health, and healthcare insurance, Mark has continuously driven significant growth and operational excellence within complex organizations. His expertise in scaling companies, achieving high-quality accreditation, and positioning businesses for strategic sales to private equity investors demonstrates his commitment to meaningful, sustainable success. Throughout his career, Mark has cultivated a unique ability to prioritize critical objectives, ensuring organizations not only thrive but also serve their communities with lasting impact.
Mark’s tenure as CEO of Kolmac Outpatient Recovery Centers exemplifies his strategic vision and operational acumen. Under his leadership, Kolmac expanded from a modest client base of 175 patients to over 1,100 patients, with revenues increasing from $2.5 million to $13.5 million. Mark successfully oversaw Kolmac’s growth, attaining two full three-year National Accreditations and ultimately securing a sale to a private equity firm for $37 million. His leadership highlights not only his capacity to scale operations but also his deep understanding of the unique challenges and requirements in the field of substance abuse treatment.
Earlier in his career, Mark held significant roles with Magellan Health Services, where he was the Regional President for the Mid-Atlantic region. During this time, he managed field operations covering over three million lives across Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia. His role demanded a high degree of operational insight and people management skills, as he led a team of over 150 professionals across two offices. His experience integrating major acquisitions and implementing complex state projects further underscores his strength in managing multifaceted organizational initiatives.
Mark’s background in corporate law has been instrumental in his approach to strategic planning and human resources. He served as a corporate attorney specializing in labor and healthcare law with BlueCross BlueShield and Frank, Bernstein, Conaway & Goldman. These roles gave him a comprehensive understanding of regulatory and compliance frameworks, which he leveraged in later positions to enhance operational integrity and safeguard organizational interests. His strategic legal knowledge continues to inform his approach to quality improvement and risk management in healthcare.
In addition to his executive roles, Mark has served on several boards and committees, underscoring his commitment to service and community engagement. He founded and served as Secretary for the Kolmac Foundation, was a Board Member and Officer at the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, and held board positions with Inroads Maryland. His board experience highlights his dedication to fostering growth and supporting organizations that prioritize community well-being.
Mark’s volunteerism also reflects his passion for education and public service. As a docent at the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, he provides tours and educational engagement for visitors, offering insights into the museum’s collection and history. His volunteer roles with various organizations showcase his belief in the importance of giving back and sharing his expertise to support cultural and educational institutions.
In retirement, Mark remains active, enjoying time on the golf course while also continuing to engage in strategic roles, such as his recent position on the Strategy Committee for Mind Repose, a mental health start-up. His involvement in guiding the strategic direction of this acquisition entity further demonstrates his continued commitment to advancing the field of behavioral health and supporting innovative, impactful initiatives.
Throughout his career, Mark has developed a well-rounded skill set that includes team building, program development, and public speaking. He has spoken on managed care topics, shared insights with healthcare providers, and presented to underwriters on issues related to behavioral health. His communication abilities have consistently supported his success in leading complex initiatives, from operational expansion to quality improvement in healthcare.
Character:
Mark is dedicated to driving meaningful growth and success within organizations, consistently upholding integrity and prioritizing community well-being. His commitment to service is evident in both his professional leadership and extensive volunteer efforts.
Knowledge:
Mark possesses extensive expertise in healthcare management, corporate law, and organizational metrics, making him adept at navigating complex regulatory environments. His deep understanding of operations and growth strategies enables him to implement impactful improvements.
Strategic:
Mark’s proven track record in scaling companies and managing acquisitions highlights his strategic acumen, enabling organizations to reach their immediate goals and achieve long-term sustainability. His experience with private equity sales and growth planning positions him as a valuable asset in strategic decision-making.
Communication:
Mark’s strong communication skills are reflected in his public speaking engagements, where he effectively conveys complex information to diverse audiences. His ability to simplify intricate concepts fosters collaboration and understanding across all organizational levels.