Kenneth E. Richter, DO, CPE, DFAPA, IBDC.D

Dr. Kenneth E. Richter Jr. is a nationally recognized psychiatrist, physician executive, and decorated retired United States Navy Captain with more than 20 years of leadership experience across behavioral health, addiction medicine, and healthcare transformation. As Medical Director for the IAFF Center of Excellence, he is committed to advancing evidence-based, compassionate care for firefighters, paramedics and first responders seeking treatment for substance use disorders, mental health conditions, and co-occurring illnesses.

Prior to joining IAFF, Dr. Richter served as Chief Clinical Officer and Chief Medical Officer at Pyramid Healthcare, where he provided executive oversight of clinical and medical operations across more than 90 treatment facilities in nine states. Throughout his career, he has led large-scale healthcare systems, developed innovative clinical programs, and implemented strategies that improve patient outcomes while strengthening organizational performance.

Dr. Richter previously served as the Department of Defense’s Director for Mental Health Policy and Oversight in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs. In this role, he helped shape national mental health policy for the Military Health System, which serves more than 9.6 million beneficiaries worldwide. He advised senior Department of Defense leadership, the White House, and Congress on behavioral health strategy, suicide prevention, addiction treatment, and healthcare policy.

A three-time combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient, Dr. Richter has devoted much of his career to caring for military service members and veterans. His distinguished military service included senior leadership roles at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Headquarters Marine Corps, Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, and numerous operational assignments across the United States and overseas. His expertise spans psychiatry, addiction medicine, trauma, resilience, and organizational leadership.

Dr. Richter is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, a Certified Physician Executive, and an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry. He has authored numerous publications, presented nationally and internationally on behavioral health and leadership, and holds a wide range of board roles, from full board directorships at multiple nonprofits to chairing a scientific advisory board and advising organizations across the for-profit and nonprofit space, all dedicated to improving mental health care.

At the IAFF Center of Excellence, Dr. Richter partners with multidisciplinary teams to ensure that firefighters and first responders receive exceptional, individualized care in an environment grounded in clinical excellence, compassion, and recovery. His leadership reflects a lifelong commitment to serving those who dedicate their lives to protecting others.