The Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (CADA) has named Bob Fuladi, a healthcare executive and entrepreneur, as its president/executive director, effective July 14.
Fuladi brings some 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry to CADA.
“A former board member of the organization, he possesses a deep understanding of its mission, coupled with a remarkable record of strategic leadership,” CADA said.
Fuladi is the current chief strategic officer at LIPAC Oncology, a company creating treatment options for cancer patients.
His leadership experience includes senior executive roles as CEO, CSO, COO, and executive vice president across startups, healthcare systems, and pharmaceutical organizations.
“He has demonstrated a strong track record in regulatory compliance, quality improvement, and program innovation across hospital, ambulatory, and academic settings,” CADA said.
Fuladi is a clinical pharmaceutical scientist and a named inventor on patents.
He succeeds Victoria Rightmire, who has served as interim executive director for the past year.
Under Rightmire’s leadership, CADA has made progress in several strategic areas, including the expansion of services in North County with a new Daniel Bryant Youth and Family Center and the procurement of funds for a new Adult Residential Treatment Program, the organization said.
“We are deeply grateful to Victoria for her dedicated leadership during a period of transition and transformation,” said Gordon Auchincloss, chair of CADA’s Board of Directors. “Her contributions have laid a tremendous groundwork.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Fuladi to lead our next chapter. His profound expertise in both the clinical and business sides of healthcare, combined with his innovative spirit and long-standing commitment to our community, makes him the perfect leader to build on our momentum and steer CADA toward an impactful future,” Auchincloss said.
“Having served on various healthcare committees and boards, I’ve witnessed firsthand the urgent need for comprehensive, community-based services,” said Fuladi, who is a doctoral candidate in health care administration and holds a doctorate in pharmacy and an MBA.
“CADA is a vital institution that transforms lives, and I am honored to become part of its dedicated team,” he said. “I look forward to contributing my experience in program development and strategic growth to build upon the strong foundation that Victoria and the staff have created, and to help ensure we continue to meet the evolving behavioral health needs of Santa Barbara County.”
Since 1949, CADA has delivered programs and services focused on the education, prevention, and treatment of substance abuse and co-occurring mental health conditions affecting youth, adults, and families throughout Santa Barbara County. For more, visit www.cadasb.org.