Healthcare Building Solutions names new leadership team for Accreditation and Regulatory Compliance Business Line

Jennifer Cowel, Julia Finken, and Yvonne Rockwood set the stage for growth and leadership succession of this increasingly complex and critical element of HBS’s suite of services.

06 August 2025, Yardley, PA —Julia Finken, RN, BSN, MBA, CPHQ, CLSSMBB, Jennifer Cowel, RN, MHSA, and Yvonne Rockwood, MBA, MHA, CPHQ, will lead HBS’ Accreditation and Regulatory Compliance (ARC) business line. Finken, Cowel and Rockwood each have more than three decades of experience in healthcare operations, licensing and regulatory requirements, including roles at The Joint Commission, the independent organization that accredits and certifies healthcare organizations and programs throughout the U.S.

“Healthcare in the U.S. continues to grow in complexity, with layers of regulations, reviews and jurisdictional approvals,” says Jay Hornung ACHE, CHFM, President and CEO of HBS. “HBS helps simplify and streamline that process for providers while elevating patient safety and quality of care. Julia, Jen and Yvonne have the experience, the insight, and the no-nonsense approach the industry needs and our clients demand.”

Finken has been named Executive Vice President of Accreditation and Regulatory Compliance and will provide executive oversight and strategic direction of the business unit. Cowel and Rockwood have been named Senior Vice President of Accreditation and Regulatory Compliance and will manage the day-to-day operations of their respective teams.

Finken is a 36-year industry veteran in accreditation and regulatory compliance, quality improvement and patient safety, including a 18+ year tenure at The Joint Commission where she served as Associate Director of Business Development for the Home Care Program and, more recently, as the Executive Director of Business Development for the Behavioral Health Care and Psychiatric Hospital Programs. While she has worked across the healthcare continuum, Julia has particular expertise in acute care, behavioral health, and home care  programs, specialty areas that are expected to see continued growth over the next several years.

“This is an extraordinary time in the healthcare industry,” says Finken, “especially as we see the convergence of new technology and approaches to confront a complicated accreditation, regulatory, and operational environment. HBS is in an ideal position to partner with healthcare operators and systems looking to streamline the process and shape the future of patient care.”

With three decades of experience, Rockwood brings HBS expertise in accreditation as well as executive operations within complex inpatient, outpatient, and integrated health systems. She helps her clients achieve complex regulatory compliance and drive significant operational performance improvements. Prior to HBS, Rockwood served as Associate Director at The Joint Commission, where she advised executive teams on compliance, safety and quality.

“I couldn’t be happier to take on this challenge,” says Rockwood. “HBS has emerged as a leader in shaping this industry, especially when it comes to behavioral health and post-acute scenarios. This is where the industry is heading, and we are perfectly positioned to help navigate that trajectory.”

Yvonne Rockwood will assume leadership of consulting services for Psychiatric Hospitals, Community Behavioral Health, Home Care, Health Care Staffing Services, and Nursing Care Centers.

As part of this transition, Jennifer Cowel will step back from her current position to focus on client relationships and consultants in acute care, laboratory, ambulatory care, ambulatory surgery centers, and disease certification. Her continued work ensures that clients will benefit from her unparalleled knowledge and leadership for years to come.

A respected and recognized leader in the healthcare accreditation and regulatory space, Cowel has played an instrumental role in shaping HBS’s ARC team. Formerly the President and CEO of Patton Healthcare Consulting, Jennifer joined HBS following its acquisition of Patton in 2022. With deep expertise in quality, patient safety, and accreditation, she has provided executive oversight while supporting day-to-day consultant and client needs.  

“Ever since she walked in the door, Jen has been ARC’s North Star and will continue to play a valuable role in strategy and client relationships,” says Hornung.

HBS also announced a series of appointments earlier this year: Amber Miller as Vice President of Transition Planning and Facility Activation; Kate Mullaney CPSM as Executive Vice President of Strategic Growth; and Austin B. Delaney as Executive Vice President of Digital Technology Consulting. These professionals complement HBS’s already potent team and solidify its position as the go-to partner for comprehensive, tailored solutions.

About Healthcare Building Solutions: Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Yardley, PA, HBS collaborates with healthcare and technology organizations to strengthen the value, efficiency and resilience of their systems, processes and built assets. From planning and design, through activation and ongoing operations, HBS serves as a partner in advancing healthcare for some of the world’s most innovative organizations, including Penn Medicine, UC Davis Health, Johns Hopkins and Cedars Sinai, among many others. Read more at www.hbsinc.com.