Adam Hartzell believes people can transform their lives for the better when we break down the barriers that prevent them from accessing resources. As a seasoned chief executive, he brings a deep understanding of community-based organizations to his work as CEO of SouthLight. Throughout his career he has demonstrated his commitment to mission-driven work, addressing social determinants of health, building collaborative teams and partnerships, and implementing best practices as he strives to be a good steward of community resources.
Adam began his work at SouthLight in 2019. While helping the organization navigate through the COVID pandemic of 2020, he laid the groundwork for a major overhaul of SouthLight’s service offerings and facilities. This has included expanding SouthLight’s substance use and mental health programming to assure a comprehensive continuum of outpatient services that distinguishes the organization and leads to better outcomes for those it serves. In 2022, SouthLight was selected to become one of North Carolina’s first Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers which has led to expanded hours and improved quality. In 2023, SouthLight began transforming its offices on Garner Road in Raleigh into a supportive community hub with expanded capacity and upgraded offerings such as a client drop-in center, onsite pharmacy and lab services, and newly equipped group counseling, virtual and training spaces.
Adam launched his non-profit career nearly two decades ago serving as Executive Director of InterAct, a family services organization in Raleigh. Adam’s expertise in operationalizing service delivery models has led him in recent years to focus on innovative projects at the intersection of social need and healthcare delivery including lead roles at Advance Community Health and United Healthcare.
Prior to that, Adam was an attorney in Raleigh serving in private practice and as Senior Deputy Attorney General and, before law school, a journalist in New York City. Today, he lives in Wake County with his wife with whom he has two boys.