CRC Health Group Names R. Andrew Eckert New CEO

CUPERTINO, Calif., Dec. 16, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- CRC Health Corporation, a leading provider of substance abuse treatment and adolescent youth services, today announced that R. Andrew Eckert has been appointed the company's new Chief Executive Officer effective January 3, 2011.  CRC previously announced that Barry Karlin, the current CEO and a co-founder of the company, had decided to step down and would continue to serve on the Board of Directors after the selection of his replacement.

Eckert is a highly accomplished executive who has led companies across a variety of industries.  His recent experience includes four successful years as CEO of Eclipsys Corporation, a $520 million leader in healthcare information technology, where he helped grow the business by focusing on employee engagement, customer satisfaction and operational excellence.  During his tenure, the company grew significantly, improved end-user satisfaction, and acquired several new businesses.

"I am excited to be joining CRC, an outstanding company that has great potential to expand its position as the market leader in behavioral health care services," said Eckert.  "One of the things that drew me to CRC is the powerful impact the staff and programs have on people's lives.  I believe this impact can be further amplified as we grow and improve the business, put plans and processes in place to achieve our objectives, and focus on operational excellence.  I look forward to working with the best-in-class leadership team to help take the company to the next level."

Prior to Eclipsys, Eckert was CEO of SumTotal Systems, an innovative e-learning software and services firm that was formed by the merger of two public companies, one of which he had led.  Eckert's senior executive experience began at ADAC Laboratories, a $360 million global medical technology and imaging company where he spent 11 years in positions of increasing responsibility, rising from operations director to division president and ultimately CEO for his last 4 years there.

"We are very pleased to welcome Andy Eckert to CRC," said John Connaughton, a member of the Board of Directors and a Managing Director at Bain Capital, the company's private equity sponsor.  "Andy is a customer-focused and results-oriented leader, and we are fortunate to have a strong leadership team in place to work with him to build the business and continuously enhance CRC's ability to serve clients."

About CRC Health Group

CRC Health Group offers the most comprehensive network of specialized behavioral care services in the nation.  As a world-class specialty health organization, CRC has provided healing and hope in the lives of their patients and students.  By offering the largest array of personalized treatment services, individuals, families and professionals can choose the most appropriate treatment setting for their behavioral, addiction, and therapeutic educational needs.  Every day, more than 30,000 people receive treatment from CRC programs making it the most trusted specialized behavioral health organization in the nation.  CRC Health Group's motivation for growth stems from a deep commitment to make their services widely and easily available to those in need, while maintaining passion for delivering advanced behavioral, addiction, and therapeutic educational services.  For over two decades, CRC programs have helped individuals and families reclaim and enrich their lives.  For more information, visit www.crchealth.com or call (877) 272-8668.

SOURCE CRC Health Corporation