With 14 years of experience in mental health initiatives, leading quality and clinical programs, assessing compliance mandates, and implementing new evidence-based programs, Annie Gendaszek is an accomplished healthcare executive. At Newport Healthcare, Annie oversees compliance and regulatory initiatives. She achieved national accreditation from The Joint Commission and develops scalable systems and standardized materials for new locations. She is recognized for partnering with leaders and clinical teams on accreditation and compliance, and leading clinical teams in patient care, survey readiness, accreditation and regulatory responses, education, and quality initiatives.

How did you get started in healthcare? Did you always have a passion for this area or did it happen by chance? 

My journey into healthcare wasn’t driven by a specific desire to pursue compliance. In fact, I initially studied forensic psychology because I was deeply interested in the intersection of psychology and law, with a passion for helping people. My career led me to work in a clinical capacity within mental health treatment where I became a licensed alcohol and drug counselor. Over time, and with the help of others around me, I discovered that compliance was a field that truly resonated with me, and it gradually became the central focus of my professional path.

How do you stay motivated in your day-to-day? What keeps you inspired?

My motivation stems from witnessing the profound healing that can occur when individuals have access to high-quality mental health care. I find inspiration in my colleagues, the patients we serve, and the healing that occurs within Newport’s programs. Given the complexity of regulations and the challenges we face, I find great satisfaction in helping our team navigate these obstacles and in building meaningful partnerships with agencies that oversee mental health and substance use treatment. The stories shared by our alumni serve as powerful reminders that my work is truly making a difference.

You have attended three WBL Summits so far — what keeps you coming back year after year, and what are you most looking forward to at the 2025 Summit? 

Each time I’ve attended a WBL Summit it’s been an invaluable experience. My mentor, a longtime WBL member, told me that I wouldn’t find anything else quite like it — and she was absolutely right. The first Summit I attended was right after COVID, and since then, it has become a professional priority for me to attend annually. The opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with women leaders who have paved the way is incredibly inspiring. I also enjoy meeting first-time attendees and newer members and sharing the experience with them. Being surrounded by such talented, confident, and successful women for three days is truly rejuvenating.

For the 2025 Summit, I’m most excited about reconnecting with old friends, meeting new ones, building connections, expanding my network, and sharing insights about the work I do — hoping that I can make a positive impact on someone’s personal or professional journey.

Personally or professionally, what might other members be surprised to learn about you?

People might be surprised to know that I’m learning to speak Turkish and love cats, living in Washington DC, and watching great spy thriller series!