Enhabit Names Dale Clift Its Next CEO

On Monday, Enhabit, Inc. announced that it has appointed Dale Clift, a veteran health care executive, as CEO.

The announcement comes three days after the private equity firm Kinderhook Industries closed on its acquisition of Enhabit and 10 months after former CEO Barb Jacobsmeyer announced her intention to step down from the role.

“It is an honor to serve as CEO of Enhabit at such an important time in the company’s journey,” Clift said in a statement. “This is a great organization doing meaningful work, and I am proud to be part of its next chapter. Our people are the heart of Enhabit, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside our talented team as we remain focused on delivering compassionate, high-quality care. I look forward to building on the company’s strong foundation and continuing to support our teams across the country.”

Clift served as CEO of Trilogy Home Healthcare for almost 10 years, and president and CEO of Nurse on Call for almost 11 years, according to his LinkedIn profile. Both organizations are Medicare-certified home health agencies. Nurse On Call was a Kinderhook investment that was exited in 2012.

Dallas-based Enhabit operates 251 home health locations and 117 hospice locations across 35 states.

Kinderhook’s acquisition of Enhabit, announced in February, took the company private.

“Dale is a proven leader with deep experience and a strong understanding of the home-based care landscape,” Chris Michalik, managing director at Kinderhook Industries, said. “His track record of building and scaling high-performing organizations speaks for itself, and we are confident he is the right leader to guide Enhabit forward as the company builds on its strong foundation and continues expanding what’s possible for patient care in the home.”

Clift’s predecessor, Jacobsmeyer, served as Enhabit’s CEO for five years. She previously served as executive vice president of operations for Encompass Health.

“I am proud of all that our team has accomplished,” Jacobsmeyer said. “With Kinderhook’s support and Dale’s leadership, Enhabit is well-positioned to continue growing its impact and serving even more patients who need and deserve our extraordinary care.”

Morgan Gonzales is an award-winning reporter and associate editor of Home Health Care News. She received her bachelor's degree from the University of South Carolina and her master's from the University of Georgia. Her work has appeared in Behavioral Health Business, KFF Health News, Dallas Morning News and U.S. News and World Report. When not reporting, Morgan is usually on a trail, doing yoga, or cuddling with her cats, Ellen and Ocho.