Nausheen Rokerya – VNS Health

As one of the nation’s largest nonprofit home and community-based healthcare organizations, VNS Health has pioneered compassionate, innovative care for over 125 years. With more than 10,000 team members, the organization supports over 43,000 individuals daily, providing a comprehensive range of services and health plans designed to simplify complex healthcare needs. Powered by unparalleled data analytics, VNS Health’s mission is to help people live, age, and heal comfortably in their homes while staying connected to their families and communities.

Nausheen Rokerya | VNS Health | VP, Associate GC

Since assuming an expanded role in July 2024, Nausheen Rokerya, vice president and associate general counsel at VNS Health, has been instrumental in leveraging the organization’s ongoing reorganization and evolution to support legal and regulatory compliance while simultaneously expanding her expertise to align with its dynamic needs.

“Our mission is rooted in compassion and innovation, but the agility and commitment of our teams truly bring it to life. Their dedication allows us to overcome challenges and support delivering meaningful care where it’s needed most.” Rokerya says.

Leveraging institutional knowledge to propel functions into the future

Adding to her previous duties as in-house labor and employment counsel, Rokerya’s expanded responsibilities encompass compliance investigations, the leadership of the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) tasked with identifying and mitigating fraud, waste, and abuse within Medicare and Medicaid funds on behalf of VNS Health Health Plans and overseeing the organization’s emergency preparedness function. Balancing legal and compliance functions, she has transformed her department by introducing innovative approaches, fostering new priorities, and elevating oversight to meet stringent regulatory requirements.

Her work with the SIU has been instrumental in shifting toward a more proactive identification of FWA and a remedial approach focused on provider education and partnership to improve industry practices. Rokerya envisions a future where AI becomes a valuable ally in tackling fraud and regulatory challenges by integrating technology to enhance efficiency while preserving the critical human judgment required in such tasks.

“By fostering collaboration and embracing innovation, we can better identify challenges early, protect vital resources, and set new standards that strengthen our organization,” Rokerya says.

Meanwhile, under her leadership, the organization has continued to enhance its emergency preparedness function by implementing comprehensive risk assessments, strengthening and streamlining response protocols, and fostering cross-departmental collaboration to ensure rapid and effective action during crises. One example was a recent pilot of a cross-departmental cybersecurity training held in late 2024. Rokerya’s team partnered with VNS Health’s IT team to support business leaders in identifying key risks and mitigation plans.

Moving into 2025, Rokerya plans to expand on this foundation with focused discussions across various business lines, ensuring robust continuity plans and prioritizing staff engagement.

Investing in people and relationships

As a leader and team builder, Rokerya oversees several areas, including the SIU/Investigations and Emergency Response functions, which operate under stringent state-mandated requirements. The evolving regulatory landscape has intensified talent competition, but Rokerya’s focus on fostering internal growth reflects her commitment to building a resilient workforce.

While recruitment poses challenges, she believes in prioritizing investments in people, systems, and relationships. This strategic vision will strengthen her department’s foundation for long-term success as she continues to align team dynamics with organizational objectives.

Rokerya’s role is not without its challenges. Managing client expectations, balancing compliance with business needs, and engaging stakeholders to prepare for unforeseen risks are constant demands. Yet, her passion for making a tangible impact on people’s lives fuels her dedication. As a mission-driven leader, Rokerya finds fulfillment in knowing her efforts directly shape delivering critical services to those in need.

As VNS Health evolves, Rokerya’s leadership exemplifies the organization’s ethos of agility, innovation and compassion. By enabling a culture of compliance and preparedness, she is advancing the mission of VNS Health and driving meaningful change across the healthcare landscape.

“Building a resilient team means investing in skills, people, relationships, and a shared purpose. When we align our strengths with our mission, we create lasting impact and confidently navigate challenges,” Rokerya says.

From medicine to law

Rokerya’s path to law began with an interest in medicine, which evolved as she recognized her strengths in communication and debate. While her childhood dream was to become a doctor, her verbal aptitude and passion for understanding diverse viewpoints led her to law. In this career, she could combine her analytical skills with a fascination for health and wellness.

She earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University, followed by a Juris Doctor from Brooklyn Law School. At Brooklyn, Rokerya honed her legal acumen as notes and comments editor of the Law Review and as a competitor and coach in the Moot Court Honor Society while also receiving a Merit Scholarship.

Rokerya began her career as a labor and employment law associate at Proskauer Rose LLP, where she gained invaluable experience navigating complex legal issues. In 2014, she joined VNS Health, where her scope has steadily expanded.

In her current role, Rokerya oversees labor and employment matters, compliance investigations/SIU, and emergency preparedness. Her efforts have included managing labor and employment-related litigation, leading Medicare and Medicaid fraud investigations, ensuring effective crisis responses, and showcasing her ability to align legal strategy with organizational objectives. Outside of work, Rokerya lives in Brooklyn with her husband and three children, finding joy in balancing a fulfilling career with family life.

“Embracing change has defined my journey, whether shifting from private practice to an in-house role, or balancing career and family, and it’s taught me that the key to success lies in staying adaptable, passionate, and true to your purpose,” Rokerya says.