WALDORF, Md. – In a significant leadership change at Recovery Centers of America (RCA) Capital Region, Fredericka Ford has been named the new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. This Maryland-based substance use disorder treatment facility, strategically located within proximity to Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia, announced Ford’s appointment on February 27, 2024, marking a pivotal moment in its mission to offer unparalleled care and support to those battling addiction.
Ford, who boasts an impressive 18-year career in health care operations management and quality assurance, is set to bring her extensive experience in behavioral health, medical surgical operations, and substance use centers to the forefront of RCA Capital Region. Her appointment follows the tenure of Robert “Bobby” Bunyon, who served as the interim CEO and is also the corporate vice president of strategic growth. Ford will report directly to Ross Friedman, the Regional Vice President of RCA.
Ross Friedman expressed his enthusiasm for Ford’s leadership, noting, “We are thrilled to welcome Fredericka Ford as the new CEO of RCA Capital Region. She has a proven track record of leadership in the health care field and a deep commitment to quality care. Fredericka’s strategic vision and collaborative management style will be instrumental in guiding this center successfully into the future.”
Prior to her new role at RCA, Ford’s career was marked by significant leadership positions across the United States. She has served as the regional CEO for notable organizations on the West Coast, including Newport Healthcare and US Healthvest, where she was instrumental in overseeing operations and implementing detox and specialty psychiatric programs. Ford is also the founder of Behavioral Institutes of America and has held ownership positions in Meridian Behavioral Health Systems. Her extensive background also includes key roles at Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, Universal Health Services, Acadia Healthcare, American Addiction Centers, and American Hospital Management Corporation.
Ford expressed her dedication to RCA Capital Region’s mission, stating, “I am honored and excited to join RCA Capital Region at a transformative time in the facility’s history. I believe leaders must always be a part of the solution and work collaboratively with everyone. Together with our expert team, I look forward to building a strong legacy of leadership, empowering our specialists, and deepening community confidence, as we pave the path forward in our mission of saving lives.”
In her new capacity, Ford aims to enhance the facility’s commitment to serving military personnel and their families by promoting TRICARE insurance coverage. She is also passionate about initiating support for incarcerated individuals facing co-occurring substance use disorders and providing assistance to professionals struggling with addiction.
Ford is a distinguished member of the American College of Healthcare Executives and the National Association of Health Service Executives. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Fisk University, a master’s in executive business management from Seton Hall University, and a master’s in medical bioethics from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, underscoring her comprehensive educational background and dedication to the healthcare sector.
