ViaQuest recently appointed veteran healthcare executives Barmi Akbar and Nic Thieman to lead its Behavioral Health Services division. Akbar will be responsible as chief executive officer. Thieman will be responsible as chief financial officer. This means that ViaQuest can offer focused specialist services throughout the region. Both have considerable experience in the industry.
The new appointments will help ViaQuest achieve its plans to have dedicated management within the key areas of their business. They currently manage both Behavioral Health Services and Developmental Disabilities. Because these two divisions face distinct clinical needs, regulatory rules, and market opportunities, specialized leadership remains essential. Nevertheless, both teams share ViaQuest’s core mission, values, and dedication to quality care for individuals and families.
Executive Backgrounds and Industry Experience
Meanwhile, Emily Stickley and Emily Wagner will continue serving as CEO and CFO of ViaQuest’s Developmental Disabilities division. Previously, Stickley served as interim CEO of Behavioral Health Services since May before Akbar succeeded her. Both Akbar and Thieman begin their new roles this month at the company’s Dublin, Ohio headquarters. According to Stickley, both executives bring extensive healthcare backgrounds and a genuine dedication to ViaQuest clients and staff.
“Barmi and Nic understand that growth and quality services must go hand in hand,” Stickley said. “I am excited to welcome them to ViaQuest, and I am confident in the leadership they will bring to our Behavioral Health division.”
Furthermore, Akbar brings over 20 years of executive experience across senior living, post-acute care, and home health. Throughout his career, he also managed physician services and multistate healthcare operations. Specifically, he led major programs focusing on patient care, workplace culture, business growth, and organizational transformation. Consequently, his diverse operational background positions him well to oversee Behavioral Health Services.
Academically, Akbar earned an MBA from Case Western Reserve University and a Master of Science from the University of Toledo. Additionally, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Bowling Green State University. Beyond his corporate work, he actively supports community organizations, including Pelotonia and the Alzheimer’s Association.
“I look forward to getting to know our employees, learning from their experience and supporting the work they do every day,” Akbar said. “As we plan for the future of our Behavioral Health division, our focus will remain on quality services and the individuals and families who depend on us.”
Similarly, Thieman contributes nearly 20 years of leadership in corporate finance, accounting, and strategic planning. Previously, he directed acquisitions, capital planning, and financial expansion for complex multisite healthcare organizations. Therefore, his financial insight will directly support sustainable growth across ViaQuest’s Behavioral Health Services. Academically, Thieman graduated magna cum laude from Miami University with a Bachelor of Science in business. Finally, he also holds credentials as a certified public accountant, adding strong fiscal oversight to Behavioral Health Services.
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Source: Businesswire
