Seattle’s LifeNet GM to head Western Montana Mental Health Center

A University of Montana alum and the general manager of a Seattle-based tissue bank was named the new CEO of the Western Montana Mental Health Center in Missoula on Monday.

Levi Anderson, who most recently headed LifeNet Health in Seattle as the GM, will start with the Missoula health center next month.

“I’ve worked in Montana with LifeNet for several years and am anxious to return to a place I know and love,” Anderson said in a statement issued with the announcement. “The CEO needs to establish a clear and well-articulated vision for the future of Western and I look forward to working with the diverse communities to accomplish that.”

Anderson has 12 years of leadership experience in healthcare and currently serves as a fellow on the American College of Healthcare Executives.

He graduated from UM with a degree in zoological sciences and holds a masters in healthcare administration from Montana State University – Billings.

“He understands the challenges facing Western and Montana at this critical juncture in the behavioral health system,” said Missoula County Commissioner Jean Curtiss, who chars the Western Montana Mental Health Center. “The board looks forward to working with him on those challenges.”

The center was forced to reduce its number of case managers last year after the state implemented cuts to the Medicaid program. It also closed its clinics in Dillon and Libby.

Former CEO Jody Daly took a new job in Washington.