FHCA Announces Florida Class of Leaders for 2027

The Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) has announced its 2027 Class of Florida Leaders, an exclusive, year-long leadership development program preparing emerging long-term care professionals to lead with purpose and advance quality care.

Since 2009, FHCA's Florida Leaders program has strengthened the profession by equipping participants with the skills, relationships, and confidence to guide their organizations through an evolving care landscape, the association said.

“Exceptional care begins with leaders who inspire others, invest in their teams and keep residents at the heart of every decision,” said Emmett Reed, FHCA CEO. “For 18 years, FHCA's Florida Leaders program has helped long-term care professionals turn their passion for caregiving into purposeful leadership. This investment strengthens our care centers while preparing the next generation to carry the profession forward.”

The following individuals have been selected as members of the Florida Leaders Class of 2027: 

• Ann Washington, Executive Director at Vivo Healthcare Laurellwood

• Ashley Sevor, Administrator at Lake Park of Madison

• Brenda Williams, Executive Director at Vivo Healthcare Normandy

• Caroline Baez, Executive Director at Aviata at the Bradenton

• Chanel Steptoe, Director of Leadership Engagement at Aviata Health Group

• Ericka Borden, Administrator at Tree of Life Rehabilitation by Harborview

• Gilda Anderson, Regional Vice President of Operations at Miramar Post-Acute Care Solutions

• Holly Chudyk, Executive Director at Aviata at Ridge Haven

• James Streer, Administrator at Live Oak Health and Rehabilitation Center

• Jared Wright, Executive Director at Avante at Leesburg

• Jessica Cashaw, Chief Operations Officer at Vivo Healthcare

• Kathy Paul, Executive Director at Aviata at South Daytona

• Kimberly Lucadano, Administrator at Bayonet Point Health Center of Harborview

• Lashawnda Denmark, Vice President of Quality Assurance at Avante Group

• Marie Kamara, Administrator at The Club at Lake Gibson

• Marina Nault, Administrator at Scott Lake Health & Rehabilitation Center

• Matt Smith, Regional Manager at Gentell Wound Care

• Merlina Dorval, Admissions Director at the Springs of Lady Lake

• Nacole Bryant, Administrator at The Abbey Rehabilitation & Nursing Center

• Rachelle Lombardi, Administrator at Timber Ridge Center for Rehabilitation & Healing

• Ricky Hightower, Concierge/Patient Experience at Award Care at Colonial Lakes

• Ryan Johs, Administrator at Hawthorne Center for Rehabilitation & Healing of Sarasota

• Sabrina Ali, Administrator at The Ponce Therapy Care Center

• Sandra Haywood, Administrator at Riviera Palms Nursing & Rehab Center

• Sandra Mitchell, Executive Director at Oak Hill Senior Living Sarasota

• Shanika Mathieu, Administrator at Vivo Healthcare Winter Haven

• Shayne Baumgardner, Administrator at Brynwood Health and Rehabilitation Center

• Stephanie Showers, Administrator at Beach Street Health and Rehabilitation Center

• Tanisha Pachment, Administrator at Lake Worth Rehabilitation Center

• Tyler Connors, Executive Director at Life Care Center of Jacksonville

• Venus Ethridge, Administrator at Avante of Ormond Beach

"Florida’s long term care leaders bring an essential perspective to the decisions we make in Tallahassee,” said state Senator Ben Albritton (R), who spoke to program participants about the importance of advocacy and engagement. “By sharing their experiences and building relationships with lawmakers, these professionals help us better understand the needs of residents, families and caregivers. I encourage this class to stay engaged and recognize the difference that their leadership can make in their communities when it comes to ensuring Florida remains the gold standard of long-term care.”

Since 2009, over 300 long-term care professionals have graduated from FHCA's Florida Leaders program, including several members of the association’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors. 

Comments or questions? Contact Patrick Connole at pconnole@parkplacelive.com.