Caron Promotes from Within to Fill CEO Role

In making a selection to fill the role of its top executive, Caron Treatment Centers is promoting from within.

The Wernersville, Pennsylvania-based, not-for-profit addiction treatment and behavioral healthcare provider, on Wednesday announced that Bradley F. Sorte has been chosen by the company’s board of trustees as its new president and CEO. Sorte will move into the leading role on July 1, 2021, when current president and CEO Doug Tieman retires.

As announced in September, Tieman will remain with Caron for an additional year as a special advisor, focusing on fundraising and external relations.

LISTEN | Doug Tieman on the BHE Podcast

Sorte is currently Caron’s executive VP and chief strategy and growth officer, a title he has held for two years. In that role, he has been responsible for aligning Caron’s strategy and performance, and he has also overseen Caron’s regional recovery centers, non-residential services, and operations in the organization’s business development, marketing and admissions departments. He also has had oversight of Caron Florida’s Keele Center and site operations.

“I’m thrilled to forge the path that Doug Tieman courageously blazed, which has helped more individuals and families access Caron’s world-class substance use disorder treatment,” Sorte said in an email to BHE. “The COVID-19 pandemic created disruptions for everyone this year. However, despite these challenges, our tremendous growth and record-breaking philanthropy is a validation of our strategic direction. I’m looking forward to doubling down on our signature programming, expanding our insurance contracts and growing our regional outpatient services. 

“Additionally, we remain committed to research and extending healthcare professional training, which I believe are essential for Caron to continue as a leader in the healthcare sector. We are living in a challenging time when more and more people with complicated co-occurring psychological and biomedical issues are seeking substance use disorder treatment, and I’m excited to expand our medical offerings with the opening of a second medical center, the Keele Center, in 2021.”

Sorte has been with Caron for nearly 10 years, joining the organization as a family therapist at Caron Renaissance. He recently served as executive VP and managing director of Caron’s Florida Continuum, overseeing Caron Renaissance and Ocean Drive, before taking on the aforementioned expanded strategy and growth role.

In a news release announcing the promotion, Tieman said was excited by Sorte’s selection as his successor.

“With the cumulative effects of anxiety and isolation driving an increase use in substances and problematic use escalating, families need Caron more than ever,” Tieman said in the release. “Brad was the architect behind our current strategic plan, which, even with COVID-19’s impact, is working extremely well. He understands Caron and the needs of families. Brad has a steady hand and vision that will help Caron meet that need and lay the groundwork for Caron ‘s future success.”