Dr. C.J. Davis is CEO-elect at Centerstone, a nonprofit health system specializing in mental health and substance use disorder treatments. Davis is a nationally recognized leader in behavioral health and a foremost expert in building affiliations that expand access to life-saving and life-changing care. With more than 30 years of experience as both an executive and a clinical psychologist, Davis has dedicated his career to ensuring that individuals and families can reach the compassionate, comprehensive care they needâwhen and where they need it.
Prior to joining Centerstone, Davis served as President and CEO of Burrell Behavioral Health and later as CEO of Brightli, Inc., the parent company of Burrell, Preferred Family Healthcare, Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health, Comprehensive Mental Health Services, and other affiliates. Under his leadership, Brightli became one of the nationâs largest nonprofit behavioral health systems, employing more than 5,000 people across 200 locations in five states and generating nearly $600 million in annual revenue.
Widely regarded as a national leader in behavioral health affiliations, Davis has led or been instrumental in more than 10 major mergers and partnerships, uniting organizations around shared missions, cultures, and visions. His leadership philosophy centers on improving access, advancing the delivery of care, and driving innovation to meet the evolving needs of a rapidly changing healthcare landscape. From integrating behavioral health and primary care to scaling community-based programs, Davis has worked to design systems that break down barriers and deliver meaningful outcomes for those they serve. His career spans nearly every level of behavioral healthcare including community treatment, residential programs, inpatient services, and criminal justice settings across Missouri, Pennsylvania, and Indiana.
He currently serves on the boards of MHCA and his alma mater, Culver-Stockton College. His leadership has been widely recognized: Biz 417 Magazine named him one of its â10 for the Next 10,â and theSpringfield Business Journal honored him as both a Man of the Year (2019) and CEO of the Year (2021). Davis earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Master of Science in Clinical Counseling Psychology, and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Through every affiliation, innovation, and partnership, he remains committed to one unifying purpose: building stronger systems that expand access, elevate care, and create healthier communities.