Kathleen A. Murphy
Hooksett,New Hampshire
Summary
Healthcare operations executive with 15+ years of progressive leadership experience building, scaling, and operating behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment systems across New England. Proven record of leading multi-site, multidisciplinary teams through rapid growth, regulatory complexity, and crisis conditions while maintaining financial performance and care quality. Deep expertise in Medicaid markets, value-based care, program development, payer strategy, and market expansion.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Vice President, Market Operations & Performance
Better Life Partners
01.2026 - Current
- Lead operational performance strategy across 5 Medicaid markets representing $13.5M in revenue, 200+ staff, and 4,700 members.
- Drive cross-market performance alignment across clinical, operational, and financial metrics
- Lead margin improvement, workforce utilization, and service delivery optimization initiatives
- Standardize operational and clinical performance practices across markets to support scalability and consistency
- Partner with Product, Tech, Medical, and Implementation teams to operationalize scalable care models
- Belonging Medical Group
Vice President, General Manager – NH & VT Markets
Better Life Partners
02.2024 - 01.2026
- Held full P&L, clinical, and operational accountability for two-state Medicaid markets totaling $6.2M in revenue and serving 2,500 members.
- Managed payer relationships and aligned Medicaid programs in both states to enhance service delivery
- Directed regulatory strategy, ensuring compliance with state agencies and CMS requirements to mitigate risk
- Led multidisciplinary teams across medical, clinical, and operational functions to improve collaboration and outcomes
- Improved gross margin through bundle optimization, workforce efficiency, and service model refinement
- Partnered with growth team to expand membership and strengthen community partner network
- Led the organization through two successful CARF accreditation surveys
- Improved morale, accountability, and operational consistency across hybrid teams
Vice President, Head of Northern New England
Better Life Partners
11.2022 - 02.2024
- Developed and implemented regional strategy, program development, budgeting, staffing, and regulatory compliance across multiple states
- Managed annual state budgeting process, ensuring programs met financial viability targets
- Directed hiring, training, and leadership development initiatives for clinical, growth, and operational teams
- Operationalized payer contracts to maximize bundle-eligible member participation
- Built programs in response to RFPs, grants, and community need
Director of Operations – New Hampshire
Better Life Partners
09.2021 - 11.2022
- Led all operational functions for NH market during rapid growth phase
- Ensured compliance with grants, contracts, and MOUs
- Partnered with data and tech teams to improve EHR efficiency and staff experience
- Created workforce utilization and operational staffing strategies to meet organizational needs
- Assisted in state budget development and strategic growth planning initiatives
Vice President of Operations
Sobriety Centers of New Hampshire
01.2021 - 09.2021
- Led development of operational infrastructure, policies, and growth strategy to support agency objectives
- Negotiated service contracts and budgets to enhance reporting structures and ensure alignment with organizational goals
- Maintained compliance with regulatory requirements for programs
- Built and coached leadership team in clinical, HR, and medical functions to foster collaboration and drive performance
- Strengthened referral relationships statewide
Senior Vice President, Substance Use Services
Easterseals – Farnum Center
Manchester, USA
08.2019 - 12.2020
- Oversaw 5 locations providing detox, residential, outpatient, MAT, and transitional living services, managing 120 beds, 160 staff, and $18M annual revenue.
- Led program development, ensuring financial performance and effective personnel management across regions.
- Opened a new outpatient location (initially launched while serving as Director of Outpatient)
- Led successful CARF accreditation survey and multiple state audits
- Expanded market presence and enhanced relationships with state agencies and community partners.
- Built operational systems for program excellence and documentation compliance
- Manchester NH
Vice President, Substance Use Services
Easterseals – Farnum Center
Manchester, USA
01.2019 - 08.2019
- Manchester NH
- Directed strategic initiatives to enhance client services and program effectiveness.
- Collaborated with leadership to develop organizational policies and operational frameworks.
- Managed cross-functional teams to ensure alignment on project goals and objectives.
Director of Substance Abuse Services
Easterseals – Farnum Center
Manchester, USA
09.2016 - 01.2019
- Developed and expanded outpatient, MAT, and transitional living programs to enhance client access and care
- Managed hiring, training, and performance evaluation of clinical and direct care staff to ensure high-quality service delivery
- Streamlined policies, procedures, and treatment programming across sites to improve consistency and effectiveness
- Manchester NH
Outpatient Clinician
Easterseals – Farnum Center
Manchester, USA
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Manchester NH
Residential Counselor
Easterseals – Farnum Center
Manchester, USA
01.2007 - 01.2009
- Manchester NH
Education
Master of Education - Counseling
University of New Hampshire
Bachelor of Arts - Communication Studies
Fordham University
Skills
- Market and multi-site operations
- P&L accountability
- Value-based care optimization
- Medicaid and regulatory strategy
- Payer contracting
- Program development and expansion
- Strategic planning and execution
- Clinical and operational leadership
- Care model operationalization
- Performance metrics
- Regulatory compliance
- Technology and EHR optimization
- Hybrid workforce leadership
- Community and government relations
- Grant and RFP development
Certification
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, LADC #0555
Timeline
Vice President, Market Operations & Performance
Better Life Partners
01.2026 - Current
Vice President, General Manager – NH & VT Markets
Better Life Partners
02.2024 - 01.2026
Vice President, Head of Northern New England
Better Life Partners
11.2022 - 02.2024
Director of Operations – New Hampshire
Better Life Partners
09.2021 - 11.2022
Vice President of Operations
Sobriety Centers of New Hampshire
01.2021 - 09.2021
Senior Vice President, Substance Use Services
Easterseals – Farnum Center
08.2019 - 12.2020
Vice President, Substance Use Services
Easterseals – Farnum Center
01.2019 - 08.2019
Director of Substance Abuse Services
Easterseals – Farnum Center
09.2016 - 01.2019
Outpatient Clinician
Easterseals – Farnum Center
01.2014 - 01.2016
Residential Counselor
Easterseals – Farnum Center
01.2007 - 01.2009
Master of Education - Counseling
University of New Hampshire
Bachelor of Arts - Communication Studies
Fordham University