Denise Gaulin
Denise Gaulin is a seasoned healthcare executive with extensive expertise in guiding organizations of all sizes through regulatory compliance, rapid response initiatives, and complex inquiries. With a strong background in mental health, post acute care, and litigation support, she brings a unique ability to translate clinical knowledge into actionable strategies that meet stringent governmental and contractual requirements. Denise is also recognized as one of the first women in the healthcare industry to earn an equitable partnership position in a Forbes Best Accounting Firm, a milestone that underscores her leadership and pioneering contributions to the field.
Currently serving as a Healthcare Industry Leader Principal at Windham Brannon, Denise focuses on delivering tailored consulting services that address the evolving needs of healthcare providers. Her work emphasizes agility, regulatory excellence, and practical solutions for challenges posed by OIG, MAC, and managed care inquiries. Throughout her career, Denise has consistently demonstrated the ability to navigate complex healthcare systems with creativity, adaptability, and a patient centered approach, ensuring both compliance and operational efficiency.
With over three decades of healthcare leadership, Denise’s career spans senior roles in clinical operations, reimbursement services, compliance management, and executive consulting. A proud alumna of Radford University, Denise combines her clinical foundation with an exceptional ability to solve complex problems and inspire teams. Her professional philosophy “We will figure it out” reflects her dedication to delivering results. Outside of work, Denise values building relationships, sharing knowledge, and contributing to the advancement of healthcare practices.
• Business Executive/Consulting
• Radford University - BSN
• William Byrd High School
• American Law Association
• American Health Law Assoc.
• Association of Healthcare & Internal Auditors
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to determination and a relentless pursuit of my goals, always striving to turn vision into reality. I believe in making a meaningful difference every day, whether through my work, leadership, or personal interactions. My passion for growth is matched by my commitment to impact, and I approach challenges with resilience and purpose. Beyond my professional drive, I value time with family and friends, enjoy the excitement of college football, find peace at the beach, nurture my love of gardening, and expand my perspective through reading. These personal interests fuel my energy and inspire the dedication I bring to every endeavor.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to be authentically myself, make my voice heard, and step into leadership with confidence. I’ve learned the importance of listening and learning from others while also forging my own path. Building a strong professional foundation comes from continuous growth, cultivating meaningful connections, and actively networking. This combination of self-awareness, learning, and relationship building has been instrumental in shaping my career journey.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to remain eager and open-minded, embracing every opportunity to learn and grow. Say “yes” to new experiences, even if they feel outside your comfort zone, because each one is a chance to expand your skills, build resilience, and broaden your perspective. Curiosity, adaptability, and courage are key to navigating challenges and creating a fulfilling and impactful career.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is keeping pace with constantly evolving laws, regulations, and guidelines that impact healthcare and administration. This requires not only staying informed personally but also ensuring that employees at every level are educated and empowered to adapt effectively. At the same time, this challenge presents a significant opportunity: to lead with proactive communication, foster a culture of continuous learning, and strengthen compliance and quality of care across the organization. By turning change into a learning opportunity, we can enhance both operational excellence and patient outcomes.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are dedication, continuous growth, and self investment. I believe in working hard with purpose, always seeking opportunities to learn and improve. Building and maintaining my value through knowledge, integrity, and skill is a lifelong commitment that guides my decisions and actions. These principles not only drive my professional success but also shape a meaningful and fulfilling personal life.