Columbia, SC – Debbie Francis, President and CEO of LRADAC (Lexington/Richland Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council), is retiring from her years of leadership at the agency. Francis’ decision to retire will bring a close to her remarkable career in health care in South Carolina.
Steve Hatchell, Chair of LRADAC’s Board of Directors, noted, “Debbie has provided incredible leadership to LRADAC. During her tenure as CEO, she guided the organization through numerous significant changes including the move to our two state-of-the-art facilities, rebranding, and expanding the agency’s services to better serve the people of Lexington and Richland counties.
“It has been a privilege to serve as the President and CEO of this agency,” Francis stated. “Each day we see people seek our care during the most vulnerable phase of their lives. The commitment of this staff to provide quality care to all that come through our doors is so special and I’m honored to have been a part of that.”
Before her tenure at LRADAC, Francis practiced health care law with Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd law firm. Francis’ extensive management experience includes serving as Chief of Staff for the South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS) and Deputy Director of Programs for the state Medicaid agency (South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services). During her tenure at SCDHHS, she developed policies for the Medicaid acute care programs which included the implementation of the Partners for Healthy Children, a program that extended Medicaid benefits to uninsured children. Prior to working in state government, Francis practiced community pharmacy.
She joined LRADAC in June 2005 as its General Counsel and Chief Operating Officer. In March 2006, Francis assumed the position of President and Chief Operating Officer, and in April 2008 she was named Chief Executive Officer.
