Professional Overview
James Blaha is an accomplished finance executive with over 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry. As the Vice President of Finance & Administration and Chief Financial Officer at Hazelden Foundation, he oversees all financial, IT, and administrative functions for the leading non-profit provider of addiction treatment services.
Experience Summary
Current Role
In his role as Vice President Finance & Administration/CFO at Hazelden Foundation since 2010, James has been instrumental in driving the organization's financial strategy and operational efficiency. He is responsible for managing a $300+ million annual budget, overseeing all accounting, treasury, and reporting functions, and leading a team of 45 finance and IT professionals. Under James' stewardship, Hazelden has maintained a strong financial position, achieving consecutive years of positive operating margins and expanding services to serve more individuals and families affected by addiction.
Career Progression
Prior to joining Hazelden, James served as the Chief Financial Officer at Walker Methodist from 1993 to 2010, where he played a key role in the non-profit senior living organization's growth and diversification initiatives. Earlier in his career, he spent 9 years as a Senior Manager at the public accounting firm Deloitte Haskins and Sells, primarily serving healthcare and non-profit clients.
Academic Background
James holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Minnesota. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and has completed executive leadership programs at the Kellogg School of Management and Harvard Business School.
Areas of Expertise
- Financial management and reporting
- Strategic planning and budgeting
- Non-profit and healthcare industry knowledge
- Organizational leadership and change management
- Information technology and systems optimization
Professional Impact
During his tenure at Hazelden, James has overseen the implementation of a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, improving financial controls and data-driven decision making. He has also spearheaded the development of innovative funding models to expand access to addiction treatment services, including partnerships with government agencies and private payers.
James is a respected leader in the non-profit healthcare community, serving on the Board of Directors for the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits and the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. He is a frequent speaker at industry conferences and has authored several publications on financial best practices for non-profit organizations.
Conclusion
With his depth of experience, financial acumen, and commitment to the non-profit mission, James Blaha is a strategic and transformative finance executive poised to drive continued growth and impact at Hazelden Foundation. His proven track record of operational excellence and industry leadership make him a valuable asset to the organization and the communities it serves.
