Jennifer Freeman is a CPA and MBA with 20 years of experience in finance leadership within organizations that support the healthcare continuum. She is currently serving as CFO for Effective School Solutions, LLC, which supports adolescents and children in 12 states and 130+ school districts with in-person school-based mental health services. In addition, she is a Board Member with Regence Blue Shield of Idaho, an affiliate of Cambia Health Solutions.

Prior to joining ESS, she worked for The Pennant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: PNTG) as the SVP of Strategic Partnerships and Chief Financial Officer, seeing the company through its spin-off on October 1, 2019.

How did you get started in healthcare? Have you always been passionate about this area, or did it happen by chance?

I began my healthcare career in 2004 as a consultant with Molina Healthcare, helping implement internal controls for public company compliance. Eventually, my journey led me to work with provider organizations that deliver care directly to patients. Throughout my career, I’ve found the greatest fulfillment in fostering stronger partnerships between providers and payers. These collaborations help ensure that services are delivered effectively, at the right time, in the right way, ultimately contributing to healthier outcomes for those we serve.

How have you seen approaches to behavioral health change over your career?

Over the past decade, I have witnessed a remarkable shift: mental health has progressed from being a secondary consideration to becoming a central focus in efforts to better population health. Collaboration between payers and providers has improved access to care, reduced the stigma surrounding mental health services, enhanced treatment quality, and fostered stronger partnerships among all parties involved in a patient’s care. These advancements have contributed to a more holistic, patient-centered approach to health care.

While much progress has been made, the journey is far from over. Increased mental health care for our youth is vital to shaping a healthier future.

What keeps you inspired as a leader?

As a leader, my inspiration stems from a deep connection to our mission — supporting an organization that profoundly impacts the lives of children and adolescents while fostering the growth of those around me. The opportunity to make a meaningful difference, whether by improving lives, nurturing growth, or driving transformative change, fuels my passion.

I believe that people are our greatest asset and strength. I find immense motivation in participating in successful outcomes for our patients and in supporting the development of leadership capabilities in others. Our most inspiring moments arise when we celebrate each other’s accomplishments, contributions, and successes, which both shape us as leaders and strengthen the foundation of our shared journey.

Personally or professionally, what might the WBL network be surprised to know about you?

At the most recent WBL Summit, I had the privilege of attending a dinner hosted by our private equity partner, Frazier Health Partners. There were about 20 of us at the table, and as a way to connect in such a large group, we each shared a book, movie, or TV series that we were enjoying or that had profoundly impacted our lives. I shared how my life changed after reading and embracing the concepts in Dare to Lead by Brené Brown.

This book inspired me to embark on my own mental health journey and taught me the importance of practicing empathy and leading with heart. Before reading it, I admit I often saw people more as resources or means to an end. But the book shifted my perspective, sparking a deep commitment to viewing people as individuals with unique value. I think it is a surprise because, as financial professionals, we often find success in the bottom-line numbers; however, my success has been in seeing others succeed.