Revisiting: Emily Piper Johnson Promoted

Photo Credit: @Addition Alliance of Georgia / Featured Former Minnesota Department of Human Services Commissioner Emily Piper Johnson

Former DHS Commissioner Emily Piper Johnson Promoted to Key Executive Role at Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation

In April 2023, the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, the nation's largest nonprofit provider of addiction treatment and recovery services, announced the promotion of Emily Piper Johnson to Chief Legal, Advocacy, and Compliance Officer. This expanded executive role underscores Piper’s exceptional leadership and multifaceted impact on both institutional policy and addiction advocacy. 

Related: United States District Court of Minnesota Vs. Emily Piper Johnson In Her Capacity as Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Services

Piper, who previously held the position of Vice President of Government and External Affairs, had already taken on substantial responsibility—serving as interim general counsel and chief compliance officer since the previous October. Her leadership across legal, regulatory, advocacy, media, and communications functions was widely recognized as instrumental in maintaining organizational integrity and advancing the Foundation’s mission. 

Related: Waiver Lawsuit to Proceed

Joseph Lee, MD, Hazelden Betty Ford’s President and CEO, lauded Piper’s contributions: “Emily is a highly regarded health care leader respected across Minnesota and nationally… we are thrilled she has accepted this expanded role and promotion.” 

Related: Lawsuit Fights for Rights of Disabled Citizens

Piper’s new responsibilities placed her at the center of strategic and operational functions, including representing the organization legally, overseeing compliance, and guiding government relations and public outreach efforts. She also serves as corporate secretary and liaison to board committees. 

Prior to joining Hazelden Betty Ford in 2019, Piper had an influential government career in Minnesota. She served as Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), leading significant reforms including Medicaid expansion and a comprehensive redesign of the state’s substance use disorder treatment system. Earlier roles included general counsel and deputy chief of staff for Governor Mark Dayton, and leadership at the Minnesota Department of Commerce.

Related: Revisiting: Smoke & Mirrors: How DHS Used the MAARC Hotline to Cover Up Abuse Allegations Amid a $1B Medicaid Lawsuit

Education and public recognition are central to Piper’s profile. A graduate of the University of St. Thomas School of Law, she has frequently been named among Minnesota’s most influential healthcare leaders, and she actively serves as a trustee for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and its affiliated foundations. Her advocacy extends to efforts in behavioral health reform, where she has collaborated across sectors to influence national policy. 

In her own words, Piper expressed gratitude and optimism about the promotion: “I am grateful to be part of an organization that is such a strong force of healing and hope, and excited … to expand our collaborative reach and help redefine excellence in behavioral health care.” 

As Chief Legal, Advocacy, and Compliance Officer, Piper now occupies a critical executive role, shaping Hazelden Betty Ford’s legal and ethical posture, stewarding public policy and advocacy efforts, and steering the organization’s media and communications strategies. Her leadership continues to reflect a commitment to transforming the landscape of addiction treatment and recovery at both the state and national levels.

---

References (APA Style)

Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. (2023, April 27). Emily Piper promoted to expanded executive role at Hazelden Betty Ford. Retrieved from https://www.hazeldenbettyford.org/press-release/emily-piper-promoted

National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers. (2023, May 2). Emily Piper promoted to expanded executive role at Hazelden Betty Ford. Retrieved from https://www.naatp.org/membership/member-news/emily-piper-promoted-expanded-executive-role-hazelden-betty-ford

The Org. (n.d.). Emily Piper – Chief Legal and Administrative Officer at Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. Retrieved from https://theorg.com/org/hazelden-betty-ford-foundation/org-chart/emily-piper

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation. (2022, August 17). Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation welcomes Emily Piper to its board of directors. Retrieved from https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/blue-cross-and-blue-shield-of-minnesota-foundation-welcomes-emily-piper-to-its-board-of-directors-301607241.html