Celebrating Long-Term Staff

As we celebrate 98ɫ����’s 60th year, we want to spotlight some of the things that make 98ɫ���� 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 98ɫ���� after 28 years!

Congratulations on your retirement, Ed, and thank you for your many years of exemplary service to 98ɫ����!

What Others Say About Ed:

Ed Bienkowski Retirement - 28 Years with 98ɫ����!

“Over the last 28 years, Ed has contributed in significant ways to our growth and to our culture at 98ɫ����. Ed’s long career with progressive moves to more responsible roles at 98ɫ���� 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 98ɫ����. 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 98ɫ���� 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 98ɫ���� So Special:

Ed started at 98ɫ���� 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 98ɫ����” and returned home to the 98ɫ���� 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.”