Mental healthcare services provider sees return of former COO Andrea Westerfield
William Williams ⎸ Aug 25, 2026
Nashville-based addiction and behavioral healthcare services provider Mental Health Cooperative has named Andrea Westerfield as chief executive officer, effective Sept. 8.
Westerfield replaces CEO Michelle Shafer, who assumed the role in January 2024 when Pam Womack retired from the position after a 31-year tenure.
Mental Health Cooperative (MHC) Chief Medical Officer and Chief Medical Information Officer Corey Cronrath had served as interim CEO.
According to a release, Westerfield is returning to MHC, as she began her career at the company as a care manager. She later assumed various senior leadership roles, ultimately serving as chief operating officer, during an 18-year span.
Westerfield left MHC in May to serve as executive director of the Belmont Collaborative for Health Systems Innovation at the Thomas F. Frist Jr. College of Medicine.
Westerfield holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from Murray State University and a master’s degree, also in social work, from the University of Tennessee.
“Andrea understands MHC from the ground up, shaped by years of working alongside consumers, associates, community partners, and leaders across the behavioral health landscape,” MHC Board Chairman Brian Goldstine said in the release.
“She brings a deep understanding of MHC’s mission and the communities we serve.”
