Michael Fett joined Southwest Behavioral & Health Services after he served as the chief financial officer of the Arizona Department of Health Services. He had a goal and ambition to grow the organization’s revenue, expand its footprint and strengthen its financial viability through capital expansion and facility ownership. It was an opportunity to make a difference and since he took on his new role, the organization has grown from two counties to six in Arizona, the employee count has increased from 200 to 1,100 and revenue has increased by 500 percent.
Southwest Behavioral & Health Services (SBHS) offers an array of programs to meet the unique needs of the communities it serves. These include outpatient mental health treatment and psychiatric services including medication monitoring, assistance for persons with addictions, intensive inpatient care for persons in crisis, residential housing, in-home and supported housing services, prevention services, community outreach and school-based counseling, services throughout the lifespan for members with autism spectrum disorder and four opioid replacement clinics throughout the state.
During his tenure at SBHS, Fett has leveraged the company’s borrowing power in a way that allowed capital improvement projects to be completed without jeopardizing the financial standing of the organization. His efforts landed him recognition as a finalist in the FEI chief financial officer of the year award. Of all of his accomplishments, Fett said he is most proud of the 34,000+ square-foot administration building that is the hub, the hallmark, and the center of the growing company.
Looking forward, Fett said the next five years will be pivotal for the behavioral health industry with an ever-growing need for those who are seeking services. “I believe that SBHS is well positioned to address future challenges and will thrive,” he said.
Known as a numbers guy, Fett said his role is a solid fit. “I’ve always been told that I am good with numbers, whether it’s building a budget or financial modeling or preparing financial schedules; it’s something that has always come easy to me,” said Fett. “I feel that I am fortunate to have this skill since a wise mentor once told me that everything comes down to economics.”
Leading others to success also comes naturally to Fett. “Strong leaders have the ability to leverage mentoring and recruiting, understand how to read others, and are able to listen – knowing when to speak and when not to speak,” he said.
