Chief Executive Officer
Meet Stephen “Steve” Baron, Chief Executive Officer of Adapt Integrated Health Care. With more than three decades of executive leadership across medical groups, hospital systems, health plans, and healthcare associations, Stephen brings extensive experience in guiding organizations through periods of growth, integration, and transformation. His career reflects a consistent focus on advancing quality care, operational excellence, and collaboration between diverse sectors of the healthcare system.
Stephen’s path into healthcare began almost by chance. During college, he took a course in health administration taught by a former CEO and discovered how business principles could intersect with community care. That insight shaped the start of a lifelong career dedicated to improving how care is delivered, financed, and sustained.
Before joining Adapt, Stephen served in leadership roles within hospital associations in Washington, D.C., where he worked to strengthen both urban and rural health systems through advocacy and strategic partnerships. He has overseen large-scale operations for medical groups and health plans, managed care contracting, and system-wide integration efforts. This breadth of experience has given him a deep understanding of the challenges facing modern healthcare and a clear vision for creating organizations that are both compassionate and financially resilient.
Stephen holds a bachelor’s degree in healthcare planning and administration from Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Business Administration in Health Administration from the University of Colorado. His education built the foundation for a career focused on combining business discipline with mission-driven service. He believes that while Adapt is a nonprofit, it must continue to pursue growth, innovation, and financial strength in order to expand access to care and maintain the high standards that define its reputation.
At Adapt, Stephen oversees all strategic and operational functions, ensuring the organization continues to deliver world-class, integrated, patient-centered care. He is passionate about building on Adapt’s unique ability to provide an unusually broad continuum of services under one system, from primary care to behavioral health, prevention, and addiction & mental health recovery support. His goal is to strengthen Adapt’s role as both a regional healthcare leader and an employer of choice, where staff are valued, supported, and empowered to excel.
Outside of work, Stephen is an active football referee for the Big 12 and enjoys spending time outdoors and with family. He finds balance and renewal through sports, travel, and shared experiences that keep him grounded and inspired.
I want Adapt to keep growing while staying true to what makes it special: our heart for the people we serve and our drive to keep doing better for them every day.