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Antony Sheehan has taken over the mantle of leadership at Aspire Indiana Health, beginning his term as President & Executive Officer on Sept. 5. 

He brings a variety of experience from his work in Europe and the United States. He relocated to Indiana from Massachusetts where he was a CEO of a Community Behavioral Health System. But his career journey began even further afield in his native United Kingdom where he initially trained and practiced as a clinical nurse specializing in mental health and addiction.

In his early conversations at Aspire, Antony has frequently reflected how his clinical experience and values continue to inform his role as a leader. As well as clinical work, Antony also served as a senior civil servant in the Blair administration and as a health system CEO.

Antony initially came to America to undertake a year-long Fellowship at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement in Boston. Upon completing his studies, he served as president of a health center and community health programs advisor in Memphis, Tenn.

Sheehan is committed to spending his early weeks with Aspire on a listening tour, scheduling meetings with every single department and team.

“Thank you for trusting me with this role. I am so proud to join Aspire Indiana Health as I see the important work we do as a natural continuation of my healthcare career,” Sheehan says.

“I have been grateful to already meet so many of you, and pledge to take the next few weeks and months to connect with every team at Aspire. It’s wonderful to be learning about all the amazing work you do!”

“You have my support and my appreciation for all your endeavors. I know that the years to come will mark an even greater impact on the health and wellbeing of Hoosiers by Aspire.”

Antony takes over an integrated healthcare company in a strong strategic and financial position, having seen large scale expansion of programs, locations and capital improvements in recent years. Aspire’s struggles are much the same in the healthcare industry as a whole, especially a nonprofit focusing primarily on underserved and challenged populations: hiring and retaining talent, and serving all the patients referred to Aspire as an Indiana Community Mental Health Center in four counties.

Aspire is also in the early stages of transitioning to a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model, which includes federal support to help close some of the reimbursement gaps but also stringent standards.

Antony assumes the top leadership position after Barbara Scott’s retirement  this summer following nearly 37 years with Aspire and a long record of championing marginalized communities and bringing quality healthcare to those facing obstacles in accessing care. 

Sheehan was named as Scott’s replacement in June after a six-month search process conducted by the Aspire Board of Directors with the assistance of The Meyers Group. Michael Collette, chairman of the Aspire board of directors, called Sheehan “an exceptional, experienced candidate.”