WATERVILLE, Maine — Kennebec Behavioral Health (KBH) today announced two additions to its Senior Leadership Team: Robert Zavaleta, who joined KBH in May 2026 as Chief Technology Officer, and Vaunalee Pion, MBA, who joined KBH in April 2025 as Chief Administrative Officer. Both leaders bring extensive backgrounds in healthcare operations and are helping guide KBH’s growth as it expands access to behavioral health services across central Maine.
Robert Zavaleta, MHA, CISSP, Chief Technology Officer
Zavaleta brings a background spanning healthcare, technology, cybersecurity, and data analytics to his role at KBH. He holds a Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance, a Master of Health Administration, and a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Management. Prior to joining KBH, he spent many years in healthcare leadership roles overseeing information technology, customer support, cybersecurity, analytics, and strategic initiatives, working closely with clinical, operational, and business teams to use technology and data to solve problems and improve processes.
What drew me to Kennebec Behavioral Health was the organization's mission and the incredible work being done every day to support individuals, families, and communities throughout Maine,” said Zavaleta. “I believe technology is most effective when it quietly empowers people to do their jobs better, and I'm looking forward to learning from all of you about what is working well, where we can improve, and how technology can help support your goals. -Robert Zavaleta
Outside of work, Zavaleta volunteers at the Maine Veterans’ Homes and is an avid cook who enjoys bringing people together over a good meal.
Vaunalee Pion, MBA, Chief Administrative Officer
Pion provides executive leadership for human resources, facilities, training and employee engagement, safety, risk management, and the organizational infrastructure supporting KBH’s multi-site operations. She brings more than 15 years of leadership experience spanning behavioral health, acute care, ambulatory services, long-term care, and financial management. Before joining KBH, Pion held leadership roles with the VA Maine Healthcare System, where she led systemwide efforts to strengthen patient safety, quality of care, performance improvement, and healthcare operations.
Strong organizations are built when strategy, systems, leadership, and culture align around a shared purpose. At KBH, that purpose is clear, expanding access to high-quality behavioral health services across central Maine. I'm proud to help build the organizational capacity and support systems that allow our employees to do their best work serving individuals and families in the communities we call home. -Vaunalee Pion
Pion holds an MBA in Healthcare Administration from Husson University and a bachelor’s degree in organizational management.
Kennebec Behavioral Health is extremely fortunate to have these two outstanding healthcare professionals join our Senior Team. We know that the success of our organization rises with the skills and experience that both Vaunalee and Robert bring and their leadership will help KBH meet the mission of serving Central Maine,” stated Tom McAdam, KBH chief executive officer.
