LaDessa Forrest was named as chief executive officer of Encompass Health Valley of the Sun Rehabilitation Hospital on March 25.

The 75-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital is at 13460 N. 67th Ave., in Glendale. The hospital holds The Joint Commission’s disease-specific certification in stroke, brain injury, amputee and cardiac rehabilitation.

“I look forward to leading the team at Encompass Health Valley of the Sun,” Forrest stated in a press release. “This hospital has been an integral part of the Glendale community for 30 years, and it is an honor to continue providing the high-quality rehabilitative care Encompass Health Valley of the Sun is known for.”

Forrest served as CEO at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Albuquerque in New Mexico and Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Richardson, Texas.

“LaDessa is an accomplished leader with more than 20 years of health care experience,” stated Kim Steward, president of Encompass Health’s West region. “She is a results-oriented executive with proven success in patient satisfaction and outcomes, as well as spearheading change initiatives.”

Forrest earned a master of business administration from Western Governors University and a doctorate in occupational therapy from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from Newman University. Forrest is a member and fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.