Tommy Peade, Ph.D., QMHP
Director Of Quality And Risk Management
Lynchburg,va
Summary
Strategic Quality and Risk Management leader with proven success driving regulatory compliance, patient safety, and performance improvement across behavioral health services. Recognized for fostering collaboration, achieving zero-deficiency surveys, and advancing organizational excellence through data-driven quality initiatives. PhD candidate in Psychology, further specializing in Behavioral Health Leadership with deep expertise in accreditation, risk mitigation, and system optimization.
Overview
5
5
Certifications
9
9
years of post-secondary education
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Quality and Risk Management
Lifepoint Health
01.2026 - Current
- Led quality, compliance, and risk management readiness for the opening of a new hospital.
- Implemented hospital-wide systems for quality assurance, performance improvement, patient safety, and risk mitigation.
- Partnered with executive, clinical, compliance, and operations leaders to support licensure, accreditation, and survey readiness.
- Developed policies, audit tools, dashboards, and monitoring processes aligned with regulatory and accreditation standards.
- Established workflows for incident reporting, grievances, root cause analysis, corrective action, and risk review.
- Conducted mock surveys, tracers, chart audits, and readiness assessments to identify gaps and drive improvement.
- Trained leaders and staff on quality expectations, documentation standards, incident reporting, and survey preparedness.
- Supported transition from legacy hospital to new joint venture facility through scalable compliance and quality monitoring systems.
Quality and Risk Manager P&BH
Centra Health
11.2023 - Current
- Directed Quality and Risk activities across 13 behavioral health programs, leading interdisciplinary stakeholders in data-driven improvement initiatives.
- Facilitated multiple Joint Commission, DBHDS, and VDH inspections with zero major deficiencies, ensuring sustained compliance and positive survey outcomes.
- Investigated and resolved complex cases of alleged neglect and abuse, engaging state agencies and implementing systemic prevention measures.
- Partnered with residential services leadership to assess programs and implement targeted action plans that reduced safety events and streamlined admissions workflows.
- Developed and delivered simulation-based training to strengthen caregiver competency and crisis response readiness.
- Served as a subject matter expert for behavioral health risk and safety practices, advancing system-wide risk mitigation strategies.
Coordinator Behavioral Health Education and Safety
Centra Health
01.2023 - 11.2023
- Implemented and managed crisis response team with quantifiable reduction in serious safety events.
- Coordinated and led Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) training and monitored service line for compliance.
- Developed and implemented safety policies and procedures to establish clear guidelines for safe work practices and comply with regulations.
- Conducted investigations of alleged neglect and abuse throughout behavioral health service line.
- Oversaw the development and participated in the delivery of service line educational and professional development activities.
- Completed thorough risk assessments of 5 distinct service areas and provided action items to improve outcomes.
- Documented and reported issues with compliance, standards of care, and quality assurance requirements.
- Led data-driven quality improvement initiatives that reduced adverse events, elevated KPI performance, and improved regulatory and survey outcomes.
Specialist Care Transitions
Centra Health
08.2021 - 01.2023
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team to develop, revise, and implement comprehensive treatment plans.
- Interfaced with external organizations and state agencies to facilitate safe and appropriate discharge plans.
- Performed LTSS screening for Medicaid services to facilitate patient transfer to long-term care.
- Represented psychiatry and behavioral health service line in community meetings.
- Researched and aligned legal proceeding processes in behavioral health with statutory requirements, developing workflows and drafting policy revisions for senior leadership.
Associate Mental Health Professional
Centra Health
05.2021 - 01.2023
- Delivered support to clinical staff and leadership by facilitating restraint and seclusion training.
- Assessed and provided treatment to patients with varying severe mental illnesses and substance use disorders, performing mental status exam each shift.
- Applied de-escalation and limit-setting techniques to promote patient safety.
- Exceeded job responsibilities through continuous quality and performance improvement activities to enhance effectiveness and increase caregiver knowledge.
Mental Health Technician
Centra Health
01.2021 - 05.2021
- Provided observation and therapeutic support within inpatient setting.
- Performed mental status exam each shift.
- Delivered support to clinical staff and leadership by facilitating restraint and seclusion training.
- Assessed and provided treatment to patients with varying serious mental illnesses or substance use.
Health Unit Coordinator
Centra Health, Adult Psychiatry
09.2020 - 01.2021
- Maintained unit supplies by ordering necessary items.
- Delivered support to clinical staff and leadership by handling restraint and seclusion training.
- Scheduled aftercare and assisted coordinating care transitions.
- Assembled and maintained patient medical records and other documents related to patient care
Mental Health Safety Support
Centra Health
11.2018 - 11.2020
- Promoted a calm, safe environment through therapeutic patient interactions and crisis intervention.
- Applied de-escalation and limit-setting techniques to promote patient and staff safety.
- Delivered support to clinical staff and leadership by coordinating and facilitating restraint and seclusion training.
- Cross-trained in multiple unit roles to provide support to workflow and coverage.
Education
Ph.D. - Psychology: Behavioral Health Leadership
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA 05.2022 - Current
Master of Arts - Human Services Counseling & Executive Leadership
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA 08.2021 - 05.2022
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Lynchburg
Lynchburg, VA 08.2017 - 05.2021
Skills
Quality & Risk Management Oversight
Regulatory Compliance (Joint Commission, DBHDS, VDH)
Patient Safety & Performance Improvement
Data-Driven Program Evaluation
Strategic Planning & Organizational Development
Staff Training & Competency Development
Incident Investigation & Root Cause Analysis
Systemic Risk Assessments
Interdisciplinary Leadership & Collaboration
Certification
Qualified Mental Health Professional
Accomplishments
- October 2025 - Poster Presenter - Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Conference October 2025, Substance Use in Focus: Local and National Impact - The Power of the Continuum of Care
- September 2024 - Simulation Month - Leader in Action Award
- Served on the advisory committee for Virginia's first EmPATH unit
Affiliations
NAMI - National Alliance on Mental Illness - Lynchburg, VA - President of the Board
APA - American Psychological Association Member
ACA - American Counseling Association Member
ACHE - American College of Healthcare Executives Member
Timeline
Director of Quality and Risk Management
Lifepoint Health
01.2026 - Current
Quality and Risk Manager P&BH
Centra Health
11.2023 - Current
Coordinator Behavioral Health Education and Safety
Centra Health
01.2023 - 11.2023
Ph.D. - Psychology: Behavioral Health Leadership
Liberty University
05.2022 - Current
Specialist Care Transitions
Centra Health
08.2021 - 01.2023
Master of Arts - Human Services Counseling & Executive Leadership
Liberty University
08.2021 - 05.2022
Associate Mental Health Professional
Centra Health
05.2021 - 01.2023
Mental Health Technician
Centra Health
01.2021 - 05.2021
Health Unit Coordinator
Centra Health, Adult Psychiatry
09.2020 - 01.2021
Mental Health Safety Support
Centra Health
11.2018 - 11.2020
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Lynchburg
08.2017 - 05.2021