George C. Lytal
CEO
George Lytal manages and oversees business issues and operations for all of Crestwood’s facilities throughout California. He practices an inclusive management style that draws upon the strengths and abilities of the company’s leadership team. His personal philosophy emphasizes high standards and socially responsible business practices. Mr. Lytal embraces and fosters a belief in client wellness and recovery and is an advocate against the stigma associated with mental illness. He has been with the company for more than 40 years and has dedicated his life to this field and embodies the servant leader, consistently leading by example through our Crestwood values of family, compassion, commitment, enthusiasm, flexibility and character. Mr. Lytal was elected to the Board of Directors in 1992.

Derek Dobbins
President and Chief Operating Officer
Derek Dobbins was literally born into the Crestwood family, as his Grandfather, James M. Dobbins Sr., founded the company in 1968 and his father, James M. Dobbins Jr., is currently serving as Chairman of the Board. Derek graduated from the University of the Pacific and began his career in 2003 with Crestwood as an Activity Director at Crestwood Manor in Stockton, where he then worked his way up to be the Administrator of that campus and excelled for seven years in that position. In 2017, he was promoted to Director of Operations, overseeing six Crestwood Campuses and in 2019 he became Crestwood’s President and COO. Derek prides himself in taking care of clients, as well as Crestwood employees, as if they were his own family. As Crestwood’s President and COO, he strives to always lead by example and use Crestwood’s values to determine every decision that he makes.

Patricia Blum, Ph.D., C.P.R.P.
Executive Vice President
Patricia Blum has executive oversight of all Crestwood facilities, clinical services, educational services, accreditation, communications, development and dietary services. She is also responsible for developing new mental health programs and transforming existing programs throughout the Crestwood network. She is a founding member of CIBHS’ Mental Health and Spirituality Initiative. Ms. Blum has been a Crestwood employee since 1980.

Lori Griffin Blackburn
Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer
An employee since 1984, Lori Griffin Blackburn is responsible for Crestwood’s accounting, IT, treasury and finance operations. She oversees the strategic management of accounting and finance operations which includes monitoring operating cash requirements, maintaining relationships with outside auditors as well as directing all IT and accounting operational functions.

Maria Stefanou, CPA, CGMA
Executive Vice President/ Chief Financial Officer
Maria Stefanou joined Crestwood in 1997. As Executive Vice President, Ms. Stefanou has executive oversight of Crestwood’s Human Resources, Risk Management, Legal Affairs, Real Estate, Government Relations, and Facility Capital Management. She is also the company’s Chief Financial Officer and is involved in strategic planning and new business development. She has been a CPA for more than 30 years and holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Management.

Pamela Norris, C.P.R.P
Vice President of Operations
Pamela Norris has been a part of our Crestwood team for the past 24 years. Pam started as a nurse at our Angwin campus and has held the roles of Program Director, Administrator and Director of Operations. Pam will be responsible in assisting with the opening new programs and providing mentorship and oversite of new programs and leadership teams.

Laurie Bell Schrum
General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer
Laurie Bell Schrum joined Crestwood as our General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer in 2017. Ms. Schrum oversees all legal, regulatory, and compliance matters. Prior to joining Crestwood, Ms. Schrum was a partner with the Kroloff law firm, and served as our outside business counsel for many years. She earned her Juris Doctorate from Hastings College of the Law and holds a Bachelors’ Degree in Business, with minors in Finance and Marketing.

Chad Arnold
Vice President of Human Resources
Chad Arnold joined Crestwood as Vice President of Human Resources in 2019. Chad leads all areas of Human Resources including Employee Engagement, People Relations, Benefits, Staffing, Talent Management, Succession/Development etc. Prior to Joining Crestwood, Chad held HR leadership positions at Quest Diagnostics, Barclays Capital, Wachovia and several large technology companies. He has more than 26 years of experience, holds a Bachelors’ degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology and a minor in Business.