Reeve Waud’s activities extend beyond his roles at Waud Capital Partners and Acadia Healthcare. His involvement with nonprofit organizations in healthcare, arts, and civic life reflects a philosophy that business success should connect to community contribution. These commitments provide context for understanding the leader who founded Acadia in 2005 and continues serving as its Board Chairman.
His January 2026 announcement of Debbie Osteen as Acadia’s CEO came from someone deeply embedded in Chicago’s institutional community.
Healthcare Philanthropy
Reeve Waud serves on the finance committee of Northwestern Memorial HealthCare, one of Chicago’s leading hospital networks. He is also a board member of the Northwestern Memorial Foundation, supporting the health system’s charitable mission.
These roles connect directly to his professional focus on healthcare investing. His firm, Waud Capital Partners, specializes in healthcare and software/technology investments. Service on Northwestern Memorial’s finance committee applies his financial expertise to nonprofit healthcare governance.
Supporting the Arts
Reeve Waud serves as a Trustee of the Art Institute of Chicago, one of the nation’s premier art museums. His involvement includes service on the museum’s Finance Committee and Photography Committee, applying his financial background to arts governance.
The Art Institute role represents engagement with Chicago’s cultural institutions beyond the business community. Trustee responsibilities include strategic oversight, fundraising, and collection stewardship.
Civic and Community Leadership
Reeve Waud holds the position of First Vice Chair of Programs at the Economic Club of Chicago. This civic organization convenes business and civic leaders for dialogue on important issues, and Waud’s role involves planning events and recruiting speakers.
His past board service includes the John G. Shedd Aquarium, one of Chicago’s major cultural institutions. He has also served on the Illinois State Police Merit Board, a public service role overseeing hiring and promotions within the state police.
A Consistent Philosophy
Reeve Waud has served as a trustee of St. Paul’s School in New Hampshire, his preparatory school alma mater. Family philanthropy includes support for Friends of Acadia, a nonprofit supporting Acadia National Park in Maine.
These varied commitments-healthcare, arts, civic organizations, education, conservation-reflect sustained engagement with institutions beyond profit-making enterprises. That perspective informs his approach to Acadia Healthcare, where he has emphasized mission-driven leadership and patient-focused care throughout the company’s development.
