Our Team
Acenda’s dedicated leadership team brings decades of experience in behavioral healthcare and a shared commitment to the well-being of our community. Guided by compassion and expertise, they ensure that children, individuals and families receive the highest level of support through Acenda’s wide range of services.
Executive Leadership
Dr. Anthony DiFabio
President & CEO
Dr. Anthony DiFabio’s vision for innovative care and strategic development has elevated him as a leader within health and social services. As President & CEO of Acenda Integrated Health, Dr. DiFabio leads the Acenda workforce in providing over 100 life-enhancing programs and services to our New Jersey community members. Implementing efficient yet compassionate care models across Acenda’s services, Dr. DiFabio is defining the next generation of comprehensive community health care.
A respected business leader and advocate, Dr. Difabio serves on a number of boards, including the Children’s Home Society of America, Mental Health Corporations of America, New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, and the New Jersey Alliance for Children, Youth and Families. In addition, he is Vice Chair of the Harrison Joint Land Use Board, Vice Chair of Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey, Board member of Southern New Jersey Development Council, and sits on numerous county and regional committees. At the national level, Dr. DiFabio is an active member of OPEN MINDS and the Child Welfare League of America.
Dr. DiFabio has been the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions for his leadership including, 2024 South Jersey Biz Magazine Top CEO, 2023 Philadelphia Titan 100; JerseyMan/PhillyMan, Man of the Year; SJ Biz Magazine, Power 50 Most Influential People in Business; SNJ Business People, Top NPO Leader; Community Planning and Advocacy Council, Excellence in Healthcare Civic Leadership Award; New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Visible Impact Leadership Award; South Jersey Young Professionals Association, Angel of the Year Award and more.
Dr. Difabio received his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Loyola College of Maryland, Masters of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Farleigh Dickinson University, and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Vanderbilt University. He is married to Dr. Alicia DiFabio and is the father of four beautiful daughters.
Dr. Anthony DiFabio
President & CEO
Melissa Fox, MHA, FACMPE, FACHE
Chief Operating Officer
Melissa Fox, MHA, FACMPE, FACHE, serves as Chief Operating Officer of Acenda Integrated Health, where she provides executive leadership for strategy, operations, and innovation. A nationally recognized healthcare executive with expertise spanning behavioral health, population health, integrated care, and healthcare transformation, Melissa has dedicated her career to advancing innovative, community-centered models that improve outcomes for vulnerable and underserved populations.
Melissa is widely recognized as a thought leader and has been invited to provide expertise and guidance to national organizations including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the American Public Health Association, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and other public health and healthcare organizations on topics including health equity, integrated care, community-driven solutions, and healthcare innovation. She is also a published author and frequent speaker whose work has focused on healthcare transformation, community health, and reducing disparities in care.
An active community and civic leader, Melissa serves on numerous nonprofit and advisory boards for organizations including the Rutgers Center for State Health Policy, Camden Coalition of Healthcare Providers, Metropolitan Area Neighborhood Nutrition Alliance, the Urban Affairs Coalition, and other regional and statewide initiatives focused on improving community health and wellbeing. She also serves as the Chair of the Board for New Jersey’s first public health institute, the Center for Health Equity & Well-Being.
Melissa’s leadership and impact have been recognized through numerous honors, including the National Coalition of 100 Black Women’s Woman of Excellence Award, the NJBIZ Executive Excellence Award, the Women in NAACP Shirley Chisholm Leadership and Liberation Award, South Jersey Biz Healthcare Executive of the Year, and multiple recognitions for her contributions to healthcare leadership and community impact. She is a Fellow of both the American College of Healthcare Executives and the American College of Medical Practice Executives.
Melissa is passionate about creating systems that leverage innovation and human connection to strengthen communities and improve lives.
Melissa Fox, MHA, FACMPE, FACHE
Chief Operating Officer
