Ralph Derrickson, a seasoned healthcare executive with a track record of leading organizations through transformation and growth, has joined Valera Health as its new Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Craig Albright, who has transitioned to an advisory role. He brings deep experience at the intersection of healthcare and technology, focusing on using innovation to create new ways of delivering care and improving lives.

Derrickson has led and invested in organizations that use technology to make healthcare more effective and accessible. His experience most recently includes Interim CEO of Vita Health, a leading provider of suicide and acute behavioral health services, which was acquired by Valera earlier this year. Before that, he was President and CEO of Bsquare Corporation (NASDAQ: BSQR), where he led a successful turnaround, and of Carena, Inc., an early pioneer in virtual care delivery. He previously led technology and biotechnology venture investing at Vulcan Capital.

“Valera’s mission of expanding access to high-quality behavioral healthcare is one that deeply resonates with me,” said Derrickson. “This is an organization built on purpose and expertise. My focus will be supporting the people who make that mission real every day and ensuring we’re well positioned to grow sustainably as we look to the future.”

Valera Health delivers high-quality, compassionate mental healthcare to those who need it most, including individuals living with serious mental illness and those in underserved communities.