Barmi Akbar named Chief Executive Officer; Nic Thieman named Chief Financial Officer

Veteran healthcare executives Barmi Akbar and Nic Thieman have been named to lead ViaQuest’s Behavioral Health services as chief executive officer and chief financial officer, respectively.

The appointments are part of ViaQuest’s efforts to establish dedicated leadership for its Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities services. The two services have different needs, regulatory requirements and growth opportunities. Both share ViaQuest’s mission, values and commitment to quality care for the individuals and families they support.

Emily Stickley and Emily Wagner will continue as CEO and CFO, respectively, of ViaQuest’s Developmental Disabilities services. Akbar succeeds Stickley, who has served as interim CEO of Behavioral Health since May.

Akbar and Thieman begin their roles this month and will be based at the company’s headquarters in Dublin, Ohio. Both bring extensive healthcare experience and a genuine commitment to the people supported by ViaQuest and the employees who make the company’s mission possible, Stickley said.

“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.”

Akbar arrives with more than 20 years of executive leadership experience across senior living, post-acute care, home health, physician services and healthcare operations. He has led initiatives focused on care, culture, growth and organizational transformation for multistate healthcare organizations.

Akbar holds an MBA from Case Western Reserve University, a Master of Science degree from the University of Toledo and a Bachelor of Science degree from Bowling Green State University. He is involved in 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.”

Thieman brings nearly 20 years of experience in finance, accounting, strategic planning, transactions and operational leadership. His work has included leading growth, acquisitions and capital planning for healthcare and multisite organizations. Thieman earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business, magna cum laude, from Miami University and is a certified public accountant.

About ViaQuest:

ViaQuest, Inc. is a Dublin, Ohio-based healthcare company that believes strongly in choice for its employees and the people it serves. Its areas of expertise include developmental disabilities and mental and behavioral health throughout Ohio and Indiana. ViaQuest offers quality, highly personalized, specialized and cost-effective care, empowering individuals to function independently and live their best possible lives. For more information, call ViaQuest at 855-289-1722 or visit www.ViaQuestInc.com.

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ViaQuest has named Barmi Akbar CEO and Nic Thieman CFO of its Behavioral Health services, part of the company’s move to establish dedicated leadership for its Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities divisions.