Graham named to head UofU's Huntsman Mental Health Institute

Huntsman Mental Health Institute at the University of Utah has announced the appointment of W. Brett Graham as its new president, effective with the announcement in May. 

Huntsman Mental Health Institute is a mental health system that integrates clinical care, research and education to address the mental health needs of individuals and families. Established in 2021 following a $150 million gift from the Huntsman family, the institute operates within the Department of Psychiatry and the University Neuropsychiatric Institute to deliver care across the lifespan and advance mental health nationwide.

Graham brings extensive experience in healthcare strategy and operations, having served as interim CEO of the institute since February 2025, guiding enterprise operations and strategic initiatives. Prior to joining University of Utah Health, Graham was a partner at Leavitt Partners. He also served as chief operating officer at Meritain Health and as a vice president at Ingenix, part of UnitedHealth Group.

“I’m honored to serve as institute president of Huntsman Mental Health Institute,” Graham said. “Mental healthcare is essential healthcare, and the institute is uniquely positioned to lead meaningful change through clinical care, research and education. I look forward to partnering with our faculty, staff, patients and communities to expand access to compassionate, evidence-based care.”

As president, Graham oversees overall strategy and operations, working with the institute’s leadership triad alongside the chair of the department of psychiatry and chief administrative officer, overseeing alignment across clinical care, research, education and community engagement.

“Huntsman Mental Health Institute plays a critical role in transforming mental healthcare across Utah and the nation,” said Dr. Bob Carter, executive vice president of health sciences and CEO for University of Utah Health. “Brett is a values-driven leader with the strategic vision, operational expertise, and collaborative approach needed to guide the institute into its next chapter of growth and impact.”

Graham holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Utah. At University of Utah Health, he has contributed to major system initiatives and previously served as chief strategy officer for the university, where he led and coordinated the Impact 2030 strategy.

“Brett brings a deep understanding of the complexity of academic medicine and the urgency of improving mental healthcare,” said Taylor Randall, president of the University of Utah. “His strategic leadership experience will accelerate our work to expand access, integrate care, translational research and education, while advancing Huntsman Mental Health Institute as a national leader in transforming mental
healthcare.”