Aveanna Healthcare Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAH) has appointed Matt Buckhalter as its new CFO effective Jan 1.

Buckhalter has served as CFO in an interim capacity since July 2023, when his predecessor, David Afshar, left the company. Afshar moved on to pursue “other opportunities,” and his departure was not a result of any disagreements with Aveanna management, policies or practices, the company indicated in a press release.

“I am pleased to announce the promotion of Matt to the chief financial officer position. Matt has provided strong financial leadership and continuity as we build on our recent successes to transform our business,” said Jeff Shaner, CEO of Aveanna, in a statement. “I have great confidence in the collaborative relationship between Matt, serving as our chief financial officer, and Deborah Stewart, continuing to serve in her role as our principal accounting officer. The leadership they bring to our accounting and finance teams, and Aveanna overall, is critical as we focus on executing our key initiatives into 2024,” 

Atlanta-headquartered Aveanna provides home health, hospice, private duty and personal care in locations in 33 states. The company also operates medical solutions and durable medical equipment businesses, among other adult and pediatric health care services.

In the third quarter of the year Aveanna’s companywide revenue reached $478.01 million, up 7.9% year over year.

The company’s home health and hospice service segment earned $52.98 million, a 6.3% increase from Q3 2022. Its private duty segment brought in the largest portion of Aveanna’s revenue at $384.75 million, a rise of 8.2% compared to Q3 in 2022.

Buckhalter joined Aveanna in 2016 and is responsible for corporate and operational finance, business intelligence, financial planning and analysis and investor relations, the company indicated. He previously served as senior vice president of finance and led the company’s Investor Relations Group.

“The board of directors is delighted with the appointment of Matt Buckhalter as chief financial officer,” said Rod Windley, Aveanna’s board chairman. “Having worked closely with Matt over the years, I have a high level of confidence with his financial acumen, industry knowledge, and healthcare expertise. The board recognizes this executive team’s ability to execute the Company’s vision and overall strategic initiatives to deliver high-quality care to our patients at an exceptional value to both our government and payor partners.”