LEXINGTON, KY. — New Vista is proud to announce the appointment of Dana Royse as its next President and Chief Executive Officer, effective August 1, 2025. Royse has spent her entire 27-year professional career at New Vista, beginning as an entry-level employee in the finance department and rising through the organization to serve most recently as Chief Financial Officer.
Her rise from an entry-level employee to CEO is a rare, full-circle leadership journey, one shaped by deep institutional knowledge, resilience, and passion for serving Kentucky communities.
Royse’s experience spans every facet of the organization’s financial and strategic growth. She led initiatives that strengthened operations, enhanced access to care, and helped position New Vista as one of Kentucky’s demonstration sites for the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model. This model has expanded integrated mental and physical health services for thousands of individuals and families across Central Kentucky.
“Becoming CEO was never something I imagined when I started here,” Royse said. “But as I grew and took on new challenges, I realized, not only could I do this, but I also had an intense desire to. I care deeply about New Vista, and I’m committed to doing everything I can to help this organization continue to thrive.”
Royse will succeed President and CEO Dee Werline, who announced her retirement in 2024. In the year leading up to the transition, Werline and Royse have worked closely together to ensure a seamless handoff. Their shared leadership has included staff engagement visits across New Vista’s service area, active collaboration with stakeholders, and continued focus on New Vista’s strategic goals.
“Dana’s unwavering commitment to New Vista’s mission, paired with her strategic insight and people-first approach, make her the ideal leader for this next chapter,” said Werline. “Her vision is grounded in experience, but future-focused. She understands where we’ve been and where we can go.”
Royse holds an Executive MBA from the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville. She is known for her collaborative leadership style and dedication to staff development, client impact, and innovation in behavioral health care.
As she steps into her new role, Royse will guide the completion of New Vista’s current strategic plan and lead the development of its next phase, focused on expanding impact, equity, and sustainability.
“New Vista is nothing without our people,” Royse said. “Our staff show up every day for clients facing the most complex behavioral health challenges. I’m honored to lead us forward into a future of innovation, compassion, and lasting impact.”
For more information about New Vista or to schedule interviews, please contact Crystal Sicard at 859.475.7028 or [email protected].
About New Vista
New Vista provides mental health, substance use, and developmental disability services to children, adults, and families across Central Kentucky. With more than 60 years of experience, New Vista is committed to reducing barriers to care and fostering resilient communities through holistic, person-centered support.
