University of Utah Health and Huntsman Mental Health Institute have announced the appointment of Dave Eldredge, MSW, LCSW, as the Executive Director of Huntsman Mental Health Institute.
With over 25 years of leadership experience in behavioral health, Eldredge brings a wealth of expertise in clinical operations, strategic planning, and mental health program development to this critical role.
Eldredge, who has served in various capacities at University of Utah Health, including Senior Director of Clinical Operations at Huntsman Mental Health Institute, will now oversee clinical operations.
In his new role, he will report directly to Gina Hawley, DrPH, MHA, Chief Operating Officer of University of Utah Health Hospitals & Clinics, and work closely with Brett Graham, MBA, MPA, Interim CEO of Huntsman Mental Health Institute, and Jim Ashworth, MD, Interim Chair of the Department of Psychiatry.
Together, these leaders will ensure the seamless integration of clinical operations with research and educational programs.
“Dave has been instrumental in shaping the direction of behavioral health services at the University of Utah,” Hawley said.
“His commitment to improving patient care, expanding access to mental health services, and fostering community partnerships aligns perfectly with our mission.
We are thrilled to have him step into this pivotal role.”
Eldredge has held key leadership roles across several leading health care organizations, including Intermountain Health and Valley Mental Health.
Prior to his current role, he served as Director of Behavioral Health Crisis at Huntsman Mental Health Institute, where he helped develop one of the nation’s most comprehensive crisis response systems.
As Executive Director, Eldredge will oversee the institute’s clinical services, which include the 161-bed hospital, outpatient clinics, telehealth programs, crisis care initiatives, and residential services.
“It’s an honor to serve as Executive Director of the Huntsman Mental Health Institute,” Eldredge said.
“Huntsman Mental Health Institute has a rich legacy, and I’m proud to be part of an organization deeply committed to integrated, compassionate care.
From educating hundreds of learners to advancing research and expanding access to life-saving services, our work is truly inspiring.
I look forward to continuing this important work and shaping the future of mental health care.”
University of Utah Health and Huntsman Mental Health Institute would also like to express their sincere gratitude to Ian MacDonald, MHA, MBA, for his leadership as interim Executive Director.
Ian’s contributions during this transitional period have been invaluable, and they are deeply appreciative of his dedication to the continued success of the institute.
The organizations also wish to recognize Ross Van Vranken, MSW, for his decades of leadership and dedication to behavioral health at the University of Utah.
Since 1991, he has guided the organization through multiple transformations—from the Western Institute of Neuropsychiatry to the University Neuropsychiatric Institute and ultimately to the Huntsman Mental Health Institute.
His vision and commitment have been instrumental in shaping the institute’s growth and impact.
Huntsman Mental Health Institute at the University of Utah is a first-of-its-kind model created to address one of our nation’s greatest challenges: mental health and substance use disorders.
The institute combines the strength of one of America’s leading research universities with the nation’s best integrated mental health crisis care model and a comprehensive continuum of care that includes a 161-bed hospital and more than 85 outpatient locations.
They educate hundreds of learners every year and provide both unique and wide-ranging educational opportunities in psychiatry and mental health.
Their innovative approach to research uses “teams of teams” to bring together different disciplines to uncover new ways to tackle complex problems.
A gift of $150 million from the Huntsman family helps power their mission to advance mental health knowledge, hope, and healing for all.
Learn more at hmhi.utah.edu and join the conversation on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X, and LinkedIn.
image source from：https://healthcare.utah.edu/press-releases/2025/04/dave-eldredge-msw-lcsw-named-executive-director-of-huntsman-mental-health
