Rowena Spigarelli, Chief Compliance Officer
Professional Overview
Rowena Spigarelli is an experienced compliance executive with a proven track record of driving organizational integrity and regulatory compliance. As the Chief Compliance Officer at RWJBarnabas Health, she oversees the development, implementation, and management of comprehensive compliance programs across a large, multi-facility healthcare system.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Chief Compliance Officer at RWJBarnabas Health since 2016, Rowena is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective compliance policies, procedures, and training programs. She collaborates closely with executive leadership to ensure the organization's operations adhere to all applicable laws, regulations, and industry best practices. Under her leadership, RWJBarnabas Health has maintained a strong compliance posture, mitigating risk and fostering a culture of ethical decision-making.
Career Progression
Rowena's career in healthcare compliance spans over 15 years. Prior to her current role, she held various leadership positions within the Barnabas Health system, including Interim Chief Compliance Officer, Executive Project Manager & Advisor to the Chief Compliance Officer, and Vice President of Compliance. In these roles, she played a pivotal part in streamlining compliance processes, enhancing employee training, and implementing robust monitoring and auditing mechanisms.
Earlier in her career, Rowena gained valuable experience as a Compliance Associate and as a Registered Nurse, providing her with a unique understanding of healthcare operations from both clinical and administrative perspectives.
Academic Background
Rowena holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Rutgers University, where she graduated with distinction. Her educational background has equipped her with the clinical knowledge and problem-solving skills necessary to navigate the complex regulatory landscape of the healthcare industry.
Areas of Expertise
- Healthcare compliance and regulatory oversight
- Developing and implementing effective compliance programs
- Risk assessment and mitigation strategies
- Compliance monitoring and auditing
- Fostering a culture of ethical decision-making
- Collaborative leadership and stakeholder management
Professional Impact
Under Rowena's leadership, RWJBarnabas Health has maintained a strong compliance posture, ensuring the organization's operations adhere to all applicable laws and regulations. She has played a crucial role in implementing proactive measures to identify and mitigate compliance risks, leading to zero material compliance breaches or regulatory actions during her tenure.
Rowena is a respected voice in the healthcare compliance community, frequently participating in industry conferences and contributing to the development of best practices. Her dedication to advancing the field of compliance has made a significant impact on the organizations she has served.
Conclusion
Rowena Spigarelli's extensive experience, deep industry expertise, and proven leadership in healthcare compliance make her a valuable asset to RWJBarnabas Health. As the Chief Compliance Officer, she continues to drive organizational integrity and foster a culture of ethical decision-making, ensuring the organization's ongoing success and sustainability.
