Groups Appoints Long-Time Executive Cooper Zelnick as CEO, Strengthening Leadership in Value-Based Addiction Care

With nearly a decade of leadership at Groups as President and Chief Strategy Officer, Zelnick brings deep experience and vision to guide the organization’s next chapter.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Groups, the national leader in value-based addiction treatment, today announced the appointment of Cooper Zelnick as Chief Executive Officer.

Zelnick has spent nearly a decade at Groups, serving as President, Chief Strategy Officer, and Executive Director. He began his career leading Groups’ operations in Maine and went on to play a central role in driving expansion into new states and forging innovative value-based partnerships with health plans. Before joining Groups, he was an investor at RRE Ventures, where he focused on behavioral health and healthcare services.

“Cooper is exactly the right person to lead Groups in its next stage of growth,” said Thomas McLellan, Groups Board Member and renowned expert in addiction science, treatment, and policy. “His deep understanding of addiction and member needs informs our treatment model at every level. With unmatched expertise navigating licensing, regulatory, and contracting requirements, he is uniquely positioned to strengthen Groups’ impact and further advance the innovation and excellence our members deserve.”

Zelnick has helped transform Groups from a small New England startup into the leading provider of value-based addiction care. Under his leadership, the organization has expanded into 17 states and refined a care model that delivers industry-leading outcomes, while serving tens of thousands of members each year.

Zelnick succeeds Colleen Nicewicz, who served as CEO for the past five years. During her tenure, she helped to solidify its reputation as a trusted provider of compassionate, high-quality care.

“I am honored to step into the role of CEO,” said Zelnick. “Groups has proven that evidence-based addiction treatment that aligns incentives can save lives and reduce costs. I’m excited to continue this important work with our incredible team.”

About Groups
Groups is a national leader in outpatient treatment for substance use disorder (SUD), dedicated to making recovery accessible and affordable for all. Combining medication, group therapy, and wraparound services, Groups creates a supportive, judgment-free environment where lasting recovery is possible. With locations across the U.S. and convenient virtual care options, Groups is transforming how communities respond to the opioid crisis. Learn more at joingroups.com.