At WellPower, we believe that strong, visionary, compassionate leadership is the backbone of exceptional care and community service. As Colorado’s largest community mental health center, our mission to empower people to overcome barriers and improve their well-being is only possible because of the talented professionals guiding our organization. We are proud to introduce Samuel R. Mitchell, Jr., MBA, MHA, as our new Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO). Mitchell’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter in WellPower’s journey toward operational excellence, innovation and transformative community impact.
Who is Samuel Mitchell, and what exactly does the COO of a nonprofit behavioral health organization do?
An Experienced Healthcare Leader
With more than 20 years of leadership in healthcare administration, operational strategy and organizational transformation, Mitchell brings a wealth of experience to WellPower. His impressive career includes accomplishments with nationally recognized healthcare organizations, where he honed his skills in building high-performing teams, optimizing operations and delivering superior patient outcomes. Mitchell’s background is distinguished by his ability to manage complex, multi-million-dollar budgets, lead diverse teams of over 1,000 employees (WellPower currently has just over 900 staff) and implement best practices in healthcare finance, compliance and operations.
James Greer, WellPower’s president & CEO, shared his enthusiasm for Mitchell’s appointment: “Samuel is dedicated to fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration and trauma-informed care that aligns with WellPower’s mission. His commitment to operational excellence and employee engagement will strengthen our ability to deliver person-centered care and positive clinical outcomes.”
From the earliest conversations with Mitchell, his commitment to WellPower’s mission and vision has been clear. He is deeply invested in fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration and trauma-informed care – values that align with our organizational priorities and our dedication to person-centered mental health services. His strategic vision and operational expertise will be essential as we continue to grow, adapt and respond to the changing needs of the communities we serve throughout Denver and beyond.
“The greatest challenge and opportunity facing WellPower today is scaling our systems, operations and workforce to meet the evolving complexity of behavioral health needs across our community,” Mitchell said. “As demand for services increases and expectations around access, integration and technology expand, we must continue to evolve how we deliver person-centered care while maintaining operational excellence, clinical quality and financial sustainability.”
The Role of Nonprofit Behavioral Health COO
As COO, Mitchell will oversee WellPower’s daily operations, ensuring that our programs and services are delivered with maximum efficiency and effectiveness – in short, providing high-quality care using limited resources. His role will be pivotal in driving organizational performance, supporting our talented staff and ensuring that every individual who seeks services at WellPower receives the highest standard of care.
Mitchell will also serve as a key member of our executive management team, collaborating with leaders across the organization to shape WellPower’s strategic direction, implement innovative solutions to the challenges up ahead and achieve our long-term goals. (We are finalizing our brand-new 5-year strategic plan as we speak.)
Fostering Innovation, Collaboration and Trauma-Informed Care
WellPower’s commitment to trauma-informed care, community engagement and innovative solutions is at the heart of our mission, and Mitchell’s leadership style is rooted in these same values. He believes in the power of collaboration, both within WellPower and with our many community partners, to drive meaningful change and improve the lives of those we serve. Mitchell is particularly passionate about integrating trauma-informed approaches into operational decision-making, ensuring that our services are not only effective but also sensitive to the unique experiences and needs of the people we serve.
“Over the next six months, I’m most looking forward to building operational unity across departments and creating the foundational frameworks that will drive WellPower’s next decade of impact,” said Mitchell. “I’m also excited to partner with our incredible teams to advance innovation in service delivery expanding telehealth, co-located care, and integrated primary and behavioral health models that truly meet people where they are.”
Outside the Office
Mitchell’s commitment to community and connection extends beyond WellPower. “Outside of work, I’m deeply rooted in family and faith. My greatest joy is watching my children grow into their unique gifts whether on the court, the field, in the classroom or in the community,” Mitchell shared. “I’m energized by mentoring future leaders and giving back through education and community-based initiatives.”
Mitchell also said that he enjoys traveling to places that “blend culture, nature and reflection” – good food, music and weather don’t hurt, either.”
Looking Ahead: Mitchell’s Vision for the Future
As the mental health landscape continues to evolve, WellPower remains committed to innovating and leading the way in community mental health care. Mitchell’s addition to our executive team positions us to further enhance our operational effectiveness, expand our reach and deepen our impact across Colorado. His leadership will be instrumental as we pursue new initiatives, strengthen our partnerships and respond to the challenges and opportunities facing our community.
When asked to offer advice to the WellPower of November 2025 from the perspective of November 2030, Mitchell replied, “Continue to be bold in reimagining what community mental health can be. The next five years will redefine behavioral health in America, and WellPower’s ability to lead transformation through collaboration, transparency and courage will set the standard for others to follow.”
To our community: We invite you to join us in welcoming Samuel Mitchell to the WellPower team. We look forward to building a brighter, healthier future for all those we serve, together.
How to Access Mental Health Support
For 24/7/365 immediate support, call, text or chat 988, the Mental Health Lifeline. In Colorado, you can also visit a walk-in center for immediate, in-person help in a crisis. Denver’s walk-in center (operated by WellPower) is at 4353 E. Colfax Ave. Find the location closest to you here.
Ready to explore mental health support for yourself or a loved one? Click here to learn about accessing services at WellPower or give us a call at (303) 504-7900. We gladly welcome Medicaid members, and we accept a range of Medicare and commercial insurance plans.
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