On a recent episode of the Hiring For Good podcast, Suzanne Hanifin, founder and President of Acumen Executive Search, had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Andy Mendenhall, CEO of Central City Concern (CCC). Their conversation was not only enlightening but deeply human, offering a glimpse into the heart of a leader working tirelessly at the intersection of healthcare, housing, and hope.
For those unfamiliar, CCC is one of Oregon’s largest and most impactful nonprofits, delivering integrated services to individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction, and mental illness. Dr. Mendenhall’s career path—from a young boy inspired by MASH* to a physician specializing in addiction medicine, and now a transformative executive leader—was shaped by a series of pivotal, purpose-driven moments.
Here are six core lessons in leadership we took away from our time with Dr. Mendenhall:
1. Trust Your Inner Compass
Dr. Mendenhall’s career wasn’t plotted on a straight line—it evolved through experiences that stirred something deeper within him. A critical moment came when he recognized the profound gap in care for people with substance use disorders, prompting a shift from traditional family medicine to addiction treatment. His story reminds us to pay attention to those moments that move us and to lean into our gut instincts when faced with the unknown.
2. Human-Centered Leadership Builds Resilient Teams
At CCC, leadership is grounded in empathy. Dr. Mendenhall described his approach as humanistic and strength-based, built on the belief that most people want to do their best. By fostering a culture of emotional safety, transparency, and trust, he empowers his teams to rise to their potential. It’s a powerful lesson in how kindness and accountability can—and should—coexist in leadership.
3. Use Data to Drive Systemic Change
Dr. Mendenhall emphasized the importance of using data not just to report outcomes, but to inform strategy and advocate for meaningful change. CCC’s population health model identifies patterns in mental illness and substance use disorder across the Medicaid population, enabling better alignment with community partners and policymakers. His approach is a compelling case for marrying compassion with precision.
4. Addressing Burnout Requires Real Conversations and Bold Action
Healthcare and homelessness services can be emotionally taxing, and burnout is a constant risk. Dr. Mendenhall doesn’t shy away from this reality. Instead, he encourages open dialogue and leads CCC in pursuing strategic partnerships and policy solutions, like the regional homelessness response plan, to address root causes and offer hope to both clients and staff alike.
5. The Future Depends on Today’s Investment in Leadership
A theme that resonated deeply with us at Acumen was Dr. Mendenhall’s focus on developing future leaders. CCC has embedded learning and development, succession planning, and cross-functional skill-building into its culture. This kind of intentionality ensures that their mission not only survives but thrives long after any single leader moves on.
6. “Hiring for Good” Means Building a More Compassionate Society
When asked what “Hiring for Good” meant to him, Dr. Mendenhall didn’t hesitate. For him, it’s about impact—creating systems and environments that make life more livable for everyone. He believes both nonprofits and businesses can be vehicles for social change when they prioritize the human determinants of health. His words were a powerful reminder that purpose belongs at the core of our work, no matter the industry.
Dr. Mendenhall’s insights offered a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership—deeply thoughtful, grounded in data, and guided by a profound commitment to human dignity. His work at CCC is not only transforming lives but redefining what’s possible when leaders choose empathy, clarity, and collaboration. At Acumen Executive Search, we believe that leadership is one of the most powerful levers for change. Conversations like this one are why we created Hiring For Good. It’s a platform for sharing the stories, strategies, and values of leaders who are shaping the future, with heart and with purpose. Suzanne Hanifin’s dialogue with Dr. Mendenhall is a testament to the transformative power of aligned leadership—and a reminder that when visionary minds meet, extraordinary insights emerge.