Spotlight on: Tony Renello

This month, we’re thrilled to shine our “Spotlight On” Tony Renello, a truly inspiring leader in behavioral health. Tony brings years of experience to the table, with a proven track record of creating and managing successful treatment centers. His journey began on the front lines as a floor support specialist, where he discovered a deep passion for helping others. This passion drove him to earn a master’s degree in psychology and become a Licensed Independent Addiction Counselor.

Throughout his career, Tony has excelled in a variety of roles, always with a sharp focus on operational excellence, ensuring regulatory compliance, and delivering patient-centered care. He’s an expert at achieving Joint Commission accreditation and is dedicated to implementing innovative, evidence-based treatment methods that truly make a difference.

 

You have an extensive background in the field of addiction recovery and behavioral health. What drew you to this career?

My journey into the field of addiction recovery and behavioral health is deeply personal. I’ve experienced firsthand the transformative power of recovery and the importance of having compassionate, competent support along the way.

 

What aspects of addiction recovery and behavioral health resonate the most with you?

I’m most drawn to the human connection and the capacity for change that this field reveals every day. Working with individuals who are often at their lowest point and witnessing their resilience as they rebuild their lives is both humbling and inspiring. I also resonate strongly with the importance of comprehensive, individualized care—treating not just the addiction but the underlying trauma, mental health challenges, and systemic barriers that clients face. Creating programs that are clinically sound and operationally sustainable is what motivates me to keep improving systems and care models.

 

How has your understanding and involvement in the field developed over time?

Over the last 15+ years, my role in the field has evolved significantly. I started as a counselor, and my path took me through clinical leadership, operational oversight, and ultimately executive roles across multiple organizations. This growth allowed me to understand the full continuum of care—from the client’s experience on the front line to the compliance, regulatory, and financial frameworks that support treatment centers. I’ve developed a balanced perspective that integrates clinical integrity with business acumen, allowing me to lead programs that are both impactful and sustainable.

 

What are your roles at Virtue Recovery Center and DaVinci Consulting?

At Virtue Recovery Center, I currently serve as the Regional Director for Arizona, overseeing multiple facilities and ensuring both clinical excellence and operational success. Prior to this, I was Executive Clinical Director at Virtue Detox, where I focused on programming, compliance, and team development. Through my consulting work with DaVinci Consulting, I support organizations in streamlining operations, strengthening compliance, and enhancing patient outcomes across the behavioral health sector.

 

You recently received your MBA in Healthcare Management, quite the accomplishment. With a full-time career, how do you manage it all?

Balancing a demanding career while pursuing my MBA has been a challenge, but one I’ve welcomed. I’ve always believed in continuous learning, and advancing my education in healthcare management was a natural step in deepening my ability to lead in this space. Time management, a strong support system, and a clear sense of purpose are key. I view education as an investment not only in my future but in the future of the teams and clients I serve.

 

In addition, you are now a member of the Substance Abuse Academic Review Committee at the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners. What is the overall mission or goal of the Committee?

The Substance Abuse Academic Review Committee plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity and quality of Arizona’s behavioral health workforce. Our mission is to ensure that professionals entering the field meet rigorous educational and clinical standards. As a Committee Member, I help review applications, assess curriculum and training alignment, and contribute to decisions that uphold public safety and promote competent, ethical care delivery in our state.

 

What keeps you going despite the challenges in this line of work?

The work can be emotionally taxing and complex, but the impact makes it worth it. What keeps me going is knowing that every system we improve, every program we build, and every clinician we mentor can help someone change their life. I also draw strength from my colleagues and the broader recovery community—we lift each other up and stay mission-focused, even on the hard days.

 

What kind of impact do you hope to make, or have you already made?

I hope to continue shaping treatment programs that not only meet regulatory benchmarks but truly serve clients at a human level. I’ve led several initiatives that improved patient satisfaction, expanded access to care, and ensured facilities maintained compliance with Joint Commission and AZDHS standards. Through leadership roles, mentorship, and consulting, I aim to leave a legacy of ethical, effective, and innovative treatment solutions in the behavioral health field.

 

To learn more, email Tony at tony@davinciconsultingservices.com, call 480-606-8602. Visit https://www.davinciconsultingservices.com