“Where leadership meets compassion, transformation follows.”
Stephanie Buerkel is a dynamic and seasoned healthcare executive whose career is a powerful testament to purpose-driven leadership, resilience, and innovation. With over two decades of cross-functional experience spanning pharmaceuticals, behavioral health, and strategic sales, she has continuously redefined the benchmarks for excellence in healthcare service delivery and business growth. As a national voice in mental health education and advocacy, Stephanie blends her extensive field knowledge with an unwavering passion for helping individuals and organizations navigate the complex terrain of emotional wellness.
From her earliest professional days, Stephanie has demonstrated a natural ability to build markets from the ground up. Her journey began in pharmaceutical sales at Cardinal Health, where her exceptional interpersonal skills and authentic approach earned her a spot in the President’s Club. She quickly rose through the ranks, taking on increasingly complex roles across prestigious companies such as Valeant Pharmaceuticals, Ther-Rx Corporation, and H.D. Smith. With each position, Stephanie not only delivered impressive growth metrics—such as raising sales from $100K to $850K monthly in a new market—but also cultivated long-term relationships that laid the groundwork for sustained organizational success.
Her ability to lead from the front became particularly evident during her tenure with Acadia Healthcare. As a Senior Treatment Placement Specialist and East Region Field Trainer, Stephanie was instrumental in transforming underdeveloped territories into thriving markets that consistently outperformed goals by over 110%. Her leadership was further distinguished by her talent for mentoring: training regional teams and fostering a culture of empathy, strategic thinking, and client-first advocacy. Working closely with psychiatrists, treatment centers, and insurers, she significantly extended the length and quality of care for patients, most notably at elite facilities like Sierra Tucson and Bayside Marin.
Stephanie’s influence deepened at Newport Healthcare, where she served as National Strategic Accounts Manager. Here, she played a pivotal role in securing insurance contracts by leveraging her strategic partnerships and industry acumen. She led national training initiatives, spoke at conferences, and doubled the organization’s outreach impact. By working directly with employer groups, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), and hospitals, she opened new access points for adolescent and young adult behavioral health treatment—transforming the lives of countless families across the nation.
Most recently, as Director of Employer Services at Nsight Mental Health & Wellness, Stephanie provided national education and training on the vital intersection of mental health, wellness, and workplace productivity. Her work emphasized not only access to quality care but also the importance of stigma reduction in corporate cultures. Frequently working with high-net-worth individuals, athletes, and C-suite executives, she became a trusted liaison between clinical services and those in search of holistic behavioral health support. Her strategic insights and compassionate advocacy contributed to healthier organizations and more resilient individuals.
In addition to her corporate leadership, Stephanie’s commitment to public service shines through in her board roles and public speaking. She serves on the board of Project Blackbird and holds executive positions with the Employee Assistance Professionals Association (EAPA), where she has been a vocal leader in national mental health initiatives. Her presentations—from the Woman’s Conference in Boston to first responder-focused events in Buffalo—are marked by emotional resonance, practical insights, and an ability to unify diverse audiences under a shared mission: to prioritize mental well-being as essential to personal and organizational success.
Stephanie’s early foundation in athletics as a collegiate gymnast at The Ohio State University, where she earned multiple honors for attitude, inspiration, and dedication, continues to inform her leadership ethos. The same discipline, teamwork, and drive that fueled her athletic achievements underpin her approach to business—where perseverance, precision, and positivity are her guiding principles. Her academic background in pharmaceutical sciences provided the scientific rigor and analytical mindset that complement her people-centric leadership style.
Now with Applied Energy Systems, Stephanie continues to bring her sharp organizational skills and customer service focus into a technical sales administration role. While this position may seem divergent from her behavioral health roots, it exemplifies her adaptability, cross-industry competence, and eagerness to continuously expand her expertise. Whether supporting gas delivery system operations or steering national mental health initiatives, her fingerprint is one of excellence and empathy.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Stephanie is a dedicated volunteer and athlete. She is actively involved with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), including participating in the Los Angeles Marathon with Team NAMI. Her passions include running, gymnastics, culinary arts, and embracing the outdoors—all of which reflect her zest for life, self-discipline, and holistic view of well-being.
Stephanie Buerkel’s biography is not simply a record of roles and results—it is the story of a woman who has made it her mission to serve, uplift, and inspire. She exemplifies the rare fusion of corporate prowess and humanitarian heart, a leader who transforms systems and souls with equal intensity.
Character:
Stephanie leads with integrity and purpose, always aligning her personal values with her professional decisions. Her empathy and consistency inspire trust across every team, client relationship, and community initiative she touches.
Knowledge:
With 23 years of hands-on experience in healthcare and pharmaceuticals, Stephanie is a subject matter expert who brings both technical depth and strategic perspective to every engagement. Her continuous learning mindset ensures she remains at the forefront of mental health advocacy and business innovation.
Strategic:
Stephanie’s career is defined by her ability to develop new markets, lead high-performing teams, and forge strategic partnerships that drive measurable growth. Her foresight allows her to anticipate industry trends and design solutions that are both impactful and sustainable.
Communication:
Whether on a national stage or in one-on-one mentoring, Stephanie communicates with clarity, compassion, and conviction. Her authentic storytelling and deep understanding of human behavior make her an influential voice in both professional and public settings.
