Navy Captain (retired) Ken Richter Jr., DO, CPE, DFAPA, IBDC.D, recently completed his military service as the Director of Mental Health Policy and Oversight for the Office of the Secretary of Defense. In this role, he oversaw mental health services for the Department’s 9.6 million beneficiaries within a global healthcare system. In January 2025, he joined the Pyramid Healthcare team as the Chief Clinical Officer (CCO), a senior leadership position. He manages clinical operations at over 80 active facilities across multiple states, ensuring high-quality patient care, standardizing clinical protocols, and driving strategic initiatives to improve outcomes and efficiency.
Dr. Richter is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist, a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, a Certified Physician Executive, a Purple Heart recipient, and a decorated three-time combat veteran with extensive experience managing complex and politically sensitive portfolios. His career also includes significant contributions to global health policy, supported by decades of leadership, during which he led key initiatives for the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the Department of the Navy. He is a skilled crisis and science communicator, recognized as an expert able to engage diverse audiences from San Francisco to Beirut, Tashkent, and across Africa. He has a proven track record of delivering measurable results in various roles within the Department of Defense, across the Interagency, and in the private sector. Additionally, he has served on several boards spanning industries from mental health to biotech and patient care. He remains a dedicated advocate for care equity and the needs of active-duty and veteran service members.
In addition to his role on Headstrong’s Board of Directors, Dr. Richter serves as Chairman of the organization’s Scientific Advisory Board.
