Celebrating Long-Term Staff

As we celebrate ��è��Ƶ’s 60th year, we want to spotlight some of the things that make ��è��Ƶ special. One of our most valuable assets is our many long-term employees, who bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, skills, and deep compassion to their roles, their coworkers, and the people they serve.

Today’s Spotlight: Ed Bienkoswki

Today, we want to highlight Ed Bienkowski, VP of Program Operations, who recently retired from ��è��Ƶ after 28 years!

Congratulations on your retirement, Ed, and thank you for your many years of exemplary service to ��è��Ƶ!

What Others Say About Ed:

Ed Bienkowski Retirement - 28 Years with ��è��Ƶ!

“Over the last 28 years, Ed has contributed in significant ways to our growth and to our culture at ��è��Ƶ. Ed’s long career with progressive moves to more responsible roles at ��è��Ƶ is a great example of the opportunities for professional growth here!

I personally have particularly appreciated Ed’s significant contributions to our Recovery-Centered Clinical System (RCCS). Ed has been a devoted champion, serving on the RCCS Steering Committee for much of his time at ��è��Ƶ. Ed also spearheaded and has led the Justice Involved Mental Health (JIMH) Standardization Group and has led the Community, Residential, and MCRT Standards groups as well.

I have so enjoyed Ed’s humor, compassion, being the first person to ask a question in large meetings, and his commitment to ��è��Ƶ since 1996. During his tenure in Orange County, through mentoring, he was able to build considerable bench strength.”

—Anita Barnas, SVP Chief Program Operations Officer

What Made Ed’s Time at ��è��Ƶ So Special:

Ed started at ��è��Ƶ in October 1996 as a Clinical Specialist at CHOICES MHRC in San Diego, designing programs for those being released from state hospitals. After a brief six-month departure to run a residential eating disorder program, he quickly realized “there was no place like ��è��Ƶ” and returned home to the ��è��Ƶ family to open the program in Los Angeles.

Ed describes his March 2021 promotion as “the honor to be promoted to Vice President of Operations covering San Diego, Orange County, and CONREP programs.”