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Puneet Leekha Takes Charge as New CEO of Chestnut Health Systems

Chestnut Health Systems, a leader in behavioral health and integrated wellness services, has announced the appointment of Puneet Leekha, J.D., as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective October 6, 2025. This marks a pivotal moment for the organization, as Leekha succeeds David A. Sharar, Ph.D., who has shaped the company’s vision for over three decades. With a proven track record within Chestnut since 2015, Leekha is poised to lead the nonprofit into a new era of growth and innovation.

Leekha initially joined Chestnut as its first in-house General Counsel and quickly made an impact. His transition to Chief Operating Officer in 2018 further solidified his central role in enhancing the organization’s operations and strategic initiatives. His leadership philosophy emphasizes the importance of clarity, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to the mission of improving community health outcomes.

Commitment to Integrated Health

In his vision for Chestnut, Leekha recognizes the untapped potential at the crossroads of healthcare and business. He stated, “At the intersection of healthcare and business lies a powerful opportunity to transform lives.” This holistic approach aims to improve access to care while ensuring that services are provided efficiently and compassionately.

Under his guidance, Chestnut Health Systems aims to expand its reach and enhance its cost-effectiveness in delivering primary and behavioral health services. Leekha’s strategies are designed not only to elevate the organization internally but also to impact the community positively by increasing the quality and efficiency of care delivery.

Strong Educational Background and Leadership Roles

Leekha’s educational credentials are impressive. He holds a Juris Doctor from Chicago-Kent College of Law and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Washington University in St. Louis, where he majored in Finance and Marketing. Furthermore, he has also completed the prestigious Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School. This extensive background in both law and business sets a solid foundation for his leadership at Chestnut.

His involvement in community initiatives extends beyond his professional background. He is actively engaged with various behavioral health and primary care groups and has served in leadership roles with the McLean County Chamber of Commerce and the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council. Leekha’s roles illustrate his commitment to fostering growth and innovation not only within Chestnut but also in the broader community.

Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

Leekha has already begun communicating his leadership philosophy through avenues like Chestnut's podcast, The Catalyst, where he outlines both the challenges faced by the organization and the opportunities that lie ahead. His outlook is characterized by a performance mindset anchored in compassion and strategic clarity. As Laura Haas, Chair of the Board of Directors, emphasized, “Puneet brings a performance mindset rooted in compassion, strategic clarity, and impact.”

This sentiment reflects a consensus among board members and stakeholders regarding his potential to chart a successful future for Chestnut Health Systems.

Chestnut’s Impact and Legacy

With a workforce of 800 and generating annual revenues of approximately $80 million, Chestnut Health Systems stands as a significant community-based health provider in Illinois and Missouri. Known for its integrated primary and behavioral health services, the organization also leads in behavioral health research through its Lighthouse Institute.

Puneet Leekha’s leadership comes at a dynamic time as the healthcare landscape evolves dramatically. His commitment to enhancing service delivery and fostering innovation will likely steer Chestnut Health Systems toward a future marked by excellence and equity in health services.

For additional information and updates about Chestnut Health Systems, visit www.chestnut.org.