Chestnut's Dave Sharar: a Legacy of Leadership and Innovation

The Catalyst Podcast

In this special episode of the Catalyst, we visit with Dave Sharar, the CEO of Chestnut Health Systems. After a remarkable 36-year career, Dave is stepping down from his post to begin a new chapter at the Lighthouse Institute.
Dave reflects on his journey from camp counselor to CEO, sharing the pivotal moments that shaped his leadership philosophy, which emphasizes inclusivity, autonomy, and strategic direction. He delves into his pioneering work with Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), the development of the Workplace Outcome Suite, a tool that revolutionized how EAPs measure their impact on productivity, and his role in pioneering the "glocal" model of international EAP delivery.
The conversation also explores the challenges and achievements of his tenure—from navigating service line integration and the pressures of the pandemic to addressing widespread workforce shortages. As he transitions to his new role, Dave reveals his mission to tackle critical issues in workplace behavioral health, including access to care for the working poor and the persistent challenge of labor shortages.
Join us as we celebrate Dave's legacy and look ahead to his next chapter of innovation in the behavioral health field.